This week on Monks and Merrill, the conversation gets real with a candid discussion about the city's crime stats and what's being done to keep Angelenos safe. The mayor of LA, Karen Bass, joins the show to share her vision for a safer city, including plans to tackle homelessness and gang violence. But is it all just a numbers game, or is there more to the story?

The mayor's office is working to address the root causes of crime, from streetlights to community programs, but some critics argue that the city's approach is too focused on statistics rather than people's actual experiences. Meanwhile, LA City Council member Monica Rodriguez weighs in on two charter amendments that could impact the city's governance and public services. She shares her concerns about Measure EE, which would reduce the number of council meetings, and Measure PRK, which aims to boost investments in local parks.

As the city grapples with these issues, listeners are also dealing with their own battles – like the never-ending stream of robocalls and spam texts. Tech expert Rich DeMuro joins the show to break down the latest surveillance technology and how it's being used to track our movements. He shares tips on how to protect your personal data and avoid falling prey to scammers.

Tune in to hear the full conversation and learn more about the city's plans for a safer, more transparent future.