NEWMAN - The city will take a close look at water rates and annual landscaping and lighting assessments in a pair of studies authorized last week by the council.

The water rate study will look at the costs of correcting deficiencies in the existing water system and has implications for all users citywide; the annual lighting and landscaping fees, by contrast, are paid only by residents of newer subdivisions where assessment districts were established.

City Manager Michael Holland and Director of Public Works Garner Reynolds said that a water rate increase enacted in early 2008 did not cover the cost of necessary improvements to the system identified by the subsequent completion of a water master plan.

NEWMAN - A downtown building which for decades housed a steam laundry and was later a hub of social activities was torn down by demolition crews last week.

Local veterinarian Suzanne Solvin, who has owned the former Moose Lodge since about 2002, said major structural flaws made demolition more practical than attempting to reconstruct the deteriorating building.

She had initially purchased the Moose Lodge with the intention of moving her practice into the building, but eventually relocated Westside Animal Hospital to a facility at Highway 33 and Kern Street instead.

NEWMAN - A proposed change to the eligibility policy at Orestimba High School would provide a safety net for some students who fall below the minimum academic requirements to participate in sports and other extra-curricular activities.

The proposal, which was first presented to the school board in December and will return for further consideration Monday, calls for the creation of a review panel that could grant probationary periods of eligibility for students as they work to bring their grades back up to par.