Special Permission to Demolish Old Buildings? Sculpture Installation Today, Retired FD Captain Dies; Gas Bill; Sewer Work; Tree Lights; Tutors

In his latest weekly report ( http://goo.gl/w5Oo9g ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...

~ The Planning Commission has recommended regulations that would require getting city permission to tear down a building more than 49 years old, to ensure it has no historical value. Here is the full staff report: http://goo.gl/e0GT26

~ The bronze sculpture by Daniel Stern will be installed on Myrtle Avenue today, August 17, on the east side of Myrtle near the Krikorian Theatre. It features an old fashioned movie director, a free standing movie camera, and a tall director's chair you can sit in.

~ Retired Fire Captain John Rooks died unexpectedly last week while at home. He retired in November 2015 after serving the Monrovia community with distinction for 29 years.

~ If you get a high bill for natural gas, it may be because SoCalGas had a problem with some of its advanced gas meters and under-billed customers. It guesstimates about 11,000 customers (probably not many in Monrovia) have been affected.

~ Sewer work on Monterey Avenue just south of Huntington Drive (across from the Toys 'R' Us and Panda Express parking lot) will begin on Monday, August 22. Should last 5-7 business days. Working hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

~ The city has changed the lights on the trees in Old Town to be "more consistent in their height and installation layout," which "should create a more uniform and elegant display throughout Old Town." Now the lights go up and down the trees rather than round and round.

~ Real-live, free tutors for homework help at the Monrovia Library website, daily from 1 to 10 p.m., all ages welcome. Help with math, English, science, social studies, and test prep. Plus a writing lab, where students can submit essays for feedback from teachers around the country. Also, lesson plans, and a flashcard builder. You need a library card. Start here ( https://goo.gl/xnpB5f ), enter your library card number and PIN (your full 10-digit phone number) and click on Brainfuse HelpNow link. Questions? Ask librarian or call 256-8274.

- Brad Haugaard