Playa del Rey Sewage Spill

A weekend sewage spill in Playa del Rey has prompted county public healthofficials to advise swimmers and surfers to stay out of about a mile ofcoastal waters today.At least 8,700 gallons of sewage discharged Sunday from a condominiumcomplex in the 5000 block of South Centinela Avenue into Ballona Creek,spurring officials to warn beachgoers away from waters from Dockweiler toVenice, said Rachel Tyreecq, a department spokeswoman.The warning is in effect until Wednesday at the earliest, or untilbacterial levels reach acceptable levels, Tyree said.”Our first priority is to protect the health and safety of the people whovisit the beach and water areas,” Jonathan Fielding, director of publichealth, said in a statement. “Once we determine bacteria levels in thewater have returned to normal, we will remove the beach advisory.”For more information about South Bay beach conditions, visitwww.publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach or call 1-800-525-5662.