Briefly in the news

The Orange County Health Care Agency posted warnings at two Newport

Beach recreational areas because of high bacteria levels.

Signs warning swimmers and other beachgoers to avoid the water were

placed at the beach in front of the Lido Isle Yacht Club and at the Grand

Canal on Balboa Island.

Three other areas in Newport Beach also have postings -- Harbor Patrol

Beach and Newport Slough at Grant and Lancaster streets.

The postings will remain in effect until the agency collects samples

that show permitted levels. The agency regularly tests for the bacteria,

usually present in the animal waste in urban runoff.