Briefly in the news

The Costa Mesa City Council unanimously voted July 16 to take another

look at Lighthouse Coastal Community Church’s request for a permit to

allow Kline School to use part of the church’s parking lot as a play

area.

The City Council approved the request June 18 but added conditions

reducing the hours the church could conduct outdoor nonreligious

activities and a requirement that the church cannot open a preschool,

previously allowed by another permit, unless it gets a new permit for it.

Neighbors at that meeting spoke against the preschool, expressing

concern about noise, traffic and safety.

On Monday, church representatives said they wanted a rehearing because

they believe the City Council’s action violated the church’s

constitutional rights.

Alan Mansoor, a Costa Mesa resident, said he wishes the only noise

problem he had in his neighborhood was a church.

“If we have to restrict noise, let’s start with loud parties, boom

boxes and car stereos,” he said. “I think church is good for the

community. This is a civil rights issue, and it’s going to open a can of

worms. Leave the church alone.”

The council will reconsider the application and conditions in

September.