Police Chief Jerry Dyer is proud to announce an event that will mark the beginning of a community’s effort to bring their neighborhood back to life.

The Fresno Police Department’s Southwest District and Bringing Broken Neighborhoods Back to Life are working together to improve a challenged neighborhood.

In 2007, these groups along with Councilwoman Cynthia Sterling’s office worked together with the neighbors in the area between Jensen/Annadale and Elm/MLK to change the name from the “Dog Pound” (the name of a notorious criminal street gang) to Brookhaven. Their efforts to rid their neighborhood of gang activity and graffiti produced significant reductions in crime and violence.

Now in 2008, residents living in the area of S. Walnut Ave and E. Garrett Ave have come forth ready to make a positive change in their neighborhood. The area surrounding their neighborhood is traditionally known as “Muhammad Land,” named after a criminal family that once used the area for illegal activities.

On Saturday, August 2, 2008, the Church of the Living God will sponsor the first block party in the area. This free event will begin at 4:00 P.M. and end at 8:00 P.M. and will be located on S. Walnut Ave between E. Garrett Ave and E. Kaviland Ave.

Please contact Public Information Officer Cynthia Valdez at 621-2111 or 699-0200 (pager) with any inquiries.