CALIFORNIA IN BRIEF : HUNTINGTON BEACH : 8 1/2 Miles of Beach Reopen After Spill

A 8 1/2-mile stretch of beach was reopened when a substance believed to be diesel fuel quickly dissipated after being washed ashore, authorities said. Swimmers have been allowed to enter the water, said Colleen Keith, a spokeswoman for the Huntington Beach Fire Department. No injuries to people or damage to sea life was reported, Keith said. Lifeguards first noticed a shiny, rainbow-colored patch of water and oil late last week, Keith said. When officials flew over the spill, it was 200 yards wide and about 5 1/2 miles long. The Coast Guard estimated that half a barrel of oil--about 20 gallons--made up the sheen. Officials will test samples of the substance to determine its identity and possibly its origin. The beaches closed were Huntington City Beach, Huntington State Beach and Newport Beach.