Fresno police to hold ‘Stop the Violence’ block party

Officers from the southeast policing district will hold a “Stop the Violence” block party at Lane Elementary School in southeast Fresno on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The public will be able to meet officers and volunteers, and there will be free food, music, games and entertainment, Lt. Jose Garza with the Fresno Police Department announced.

Garza said the event is part of an ongoing effort to foster police-community engagement and to address neighborhood problems.

The block party is being sponsored partly by the Walmart on Kings Canyon, which donated two bicycles and helmets to be given away. The H.O.P.E Coalition and Cornerstone Community Cares is also sponsoring the event, and volunteers will be available to assist with residential needs, Garza said.

This story was originally published July 8, 2016 at 8:32 PM with the headline "Fresno police to hold ‘Stop the Violence’ block party."