OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum is bringing his campaign to Washington next week.

State GOP spokesman Josh Amato says Santorum will hold a public event Monday evening.

Every week tales abound of newly smashed car windows in downtown's St. Helens neighborhood.

Vehicle break-ins have increased enough in the area surrounding the St. Helens neighborhood, from the Stadium District to the downtown corridor, that the Tacoma Police Department has stepped up patrols.

Officers have even made several arrests in the area, but car prowls continue, says TPD spokesman Mark Fulghum.

For the first 10 months of 2011, monthly car prowl rates in the half mile radius surrounding S. 7th St. and St. Helens ranged between six and 20, averaging out to just under 12 per month.

Fast forward to November and December, which saw 31 and 35, respectively. January kicked off 2012 with 34 - an increase of 240 percent from last January.

Car thefts are up too - 16 cars were reported stolen in January 2012, compared to eight stolen in January 2011.

Police are taking a proactive approach to preventing break-ins, visiting area restaurants and passing out flyers detailing ways to avoid becoming a victim.

The Stadium Business District and New Tacoma Neighborhood Council have also been briefed on the issue.

A controversial principal candidate for Bryant Montessori has been withdrawn by Tacoma Public Schools Superintendent-elect Carla Santorno.

The district announced Wednesday that Gregory Smith of Lowell Elementary School in Seattle would become Bryant's next principal later this month, and was met with a storm of controversy regarding an investigation into personnel conflicts at King's current school. The Seattle Times has more about the special investigation of Lowell Elementary School.

King's appointment was set to be confirmed at Thursday evening's school board meeting.

Santorno sent a letter to the Bryant community Thursday, explaining her reasons for withdrawing Gregory King's candidacy.

To Bryant Montessori Community,

I have received a lot of commentary and information from many of you about the announcement earlier in the week that we intended to hire Gregory King as the nexty principal at Bryant.

I am withdrawing the recommendation for Mr. King's appointment from this evening's school Board agenda.