CHICO, Calif. - Chico police are gearing up for one of their busiest holidays of the year for the college campus area. 

Saint Patrick's Day is on Sunday, the day before Spring Break. 

Last year on the holiday, the Chico Police Department handled 27 arrests. 

However, with Chico State and Butte College conforming their calendars to have the holiday fall during Spring Break, the department has seen less crime and public safety issues over the last several years. 

Rebecca Nelson was born and raised in Chico. When she was in High School, her parents wouldn't even let her go in the downtown area during the holiday because of how dangerous it was. 

"Back when I was in high school the cops used to have to come and they would bring other people from out of town in other officers from out of town and they would just patrol the downtown area," she said. "Now I think they still they are still on high alert but not nearly as bad as it used to be."

The Glass Free Zone ordinance will go into effect starting Friday night at 6 p.m. and will be in effect until Monday, March 18, at 6 p.m. 

The zone is in the downtown area. 

It starts from Big Chico Creek south to East 7th Street, and Cedar Street to Flume Street.