Briefly in the news

The Orange County Health Care Agency has posted warning signs at two

Newport Beach locations.

Warnings to swimmers and others who use the beaches were announced for

Harbor Patrol beach and Rhine Channel about 4 p.m. Tuesday.

There is also a posted warning at the Newport Dunes, 300 feet up the

north side of the pedestrian bridge and 300 feet on the east side of the

swim area.

The agency detected higher than acceptable levels of bacteria, which

usually come from animal waste found in urban runoff, in the waters. The

test results triggered the postings.

The posting does not close the beaches, only warns those who use them

about the dangers of the bacterial contamination.