California IN BRIEF : OAKLAND : Teen Shot to Death at a Birthday Party

A well-chaperoned weekend birthday party ended with a death when rivalries surfaced between youths from different neighborhoods. Guests were waiting outside for their parents to pick them up when James Valentine, 16, was shot to death early Saturday, Oakland Police Sgt. John McKenna said. The party for several girls drew more than 60 guests, ranging from ages 12 to 16. The party ended after neighbors complained about the noise. “But there were no fights, not even a scuffle. . . . That’s why (the shooting) was such a shock,� said the host’s mother, who did not want to be identified. She added that several adult chaperones made sure no alcoholic beverages were present. As word of the party spread, uninvited teens started showing up. Valentine was an invited guest. “The problem was a mix of too many people from too many neighborhoods,� McKenna said. No suspects were in custody.