After four attacks on gay men that began Labor Day weekend, West Hollywood, Calif., police have increased patrols and residents have a new sense of danger in the once placid area.

"I'm 6-foot-4 and I'm still afraid," said Thom Cook, 41, a friend of one of the victims, whose friend was attacked with a baseball bat. "I'm more cognizant of where I go, what time I go out, my surroundings, noises behind me, cars pulling up behind me."

Two men struck Treve Broudy, 33, with a bat late at night after he had embraced a male friend. Broudy lay near death for several days; he remained in serious condition Wednesday. The friend reportedly escaped serious injury.

The same night, a 35-year-old man whose name was not released by police, was similarly attacked but suffered only bruises.

Early Sunday, a 55-year-old man walking alone was beaten by two men yelling anti-gay epithets and wielding a bat and a pipe. A passing taxi driver broke up the assault, and the victim was hospitalized.

The incidents, which all occurred just below the Sunset Boulevard area of West Hollywood, are thought to be related by police.

Sheriff's Deputy Steve Jauch said the attacks have led to an increased police patrols, including the posting of undercover deputies in nightspots. A reward of more than $90,000 was offered for information leading to the suspects.

The attacks have put gays on alert throughout California, which has seen an increase in such crimes in recent years.

According to the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, there were 95 attacks in Los Angeles against people in the gay, lesbian and transgender community in 2001, compared with 36 in the previous year, said Roger Coggan, director of legal services and public policy for the Center.