SAN FRANCISCO -- Hundreds of San Francisco police officers, sheriff's deputies and paramedics will be out in force this year to monitor the gay and lesbian community's massive Halloween street party, which is expected to draw close to a quarter of a million revelers to the city's Castro district.

The once-spontaneous and unsanctioned party was taken over by the city three years ago after police recorded five stabbings and a number of assaults in a crowd of 500,000. A chain saw was also confiscated during that event.

Officials and members of the gay community said the party began attracting gay bashers along with colorful costumed characters, and many gays and lesbians stopped coming.

Police said the number of violent incidents has decreased since they erected barriers and banned alcohol.

"Everyone is welcome," said Supervisor Bevan Dufty, whose district includes the Castro. "But I want everyone to know they are coming to a gay and lesbian neighborhood. I want them to come and have some fun, not come and do bashing."

On Thursday, San Francisco's district attorney visited Castro area businesses promoting the party's motto of "No booze, no drugs, no bashing," and instructed residents about what to do if they were are a victim of or witness of a hate crime.