Briefly in the news

-- Paul Clinton

The California Coastal Commission has approved Orange County’s bid to

establish a new riding arena on vacant land near the Delhi Channel.

The commission granted the county’s request Thursday at a meeting in

Los Angeles.

With the approval, the county can now move ahead with plans to

relocate a riding area sandwiched between Santa Ana Heights and the Back

Bay.

The county will close off an existing riding area, at a place known as

“the mesa,” and open the new arena adjacent to the channel, located at

2202 Mesa Drive.

As part of the project, the county will also replant the closed area

to restore greenery damaged by horse traffic.

The new arena, which will be available for daytime use, will be

located on county land in Santa Ana Heights.