Crime Up 20% in Monrovia; 10% Off Emergency Supplies; Signs and Seating on Myrtle; Christmas Light Swap; For Vets in Hospitals

In his weekly report ( https://goo.gl/qeE0y1 ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

~ Crime is up about 20 percent in Monrovia compared to last year, so the police department will hold a safety seminar Thursday, Dec. 8, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Library. The department says part of the problem is new laws (AB 109 and Proposition 47). Also, newly approved Prop 57 means "an additional 10,000 incarcerated individuals will be released from prison during the next few months, which could further negatively impact crime rates."

~ Monrovia has worked a deal with a couple online emergency-supply stores to help Monrovians with emergency preparations. You can get 10% off on emergency preparedness supplies at Super Gen Products ( http://www.supergenproducts.com - enter promo code MONROVIA at checkout), and at SOS Survival Products ( http://www.sosproducts.com - enter promo code HC02591M at checkout).

~ The city is concerned about outdoor displays, signs, banners, and restaurant seating in Old Town, and will be "working with businesses to ensure that all necessary City reviews and permits have been satisfied."

~ The city and Metro believe they can work out an arrangement by February or March for non-transit parking at the Monrovia Gold Line station during low-traffic times.

~ You can swap incandescent Christmas light strings for new LED light strings on Dec. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Friday Night Family Street Fair. You must be a SCE customer (bring a bill), with valid ID. The strands you turn in must have at least 50 lights. While supplies last.

~ The Library's Veterans Resource Center is collecting new items for veterans in hospitals: White Socks for both men and women; adult coloring books; colored pencils; crayons; markers; board and card games for adults. A donation box is in the library lobby. For information contact Mabel Cross at 256-9294, or mcross@ci.monrovia.ca.us.