LAKEPORT, Calif. – Amateur and professional grillers alike will want to mark their calendars and start planning their entries for this year’s Grillin’ on the Green fundraiser to benefit Westside Community Park in Lakeport.

The fourth annual barbecue competition event is slated for Saturday, Aug. 3, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Westside Community Park, 1401 Westside Park Road.

Each year Grillin’ on the Green attracts a larger number of attendees who enjoy a barbecue cook-off, musical entertainment, children’s activities, and a car show.

The Westside Community Park fundraising committee invites the public to attend and participate in the festivities, said Westside Community Park Committee Chair Dennis Rollins.

“We are looking forward to another fun afternoon with this year’s Grillin’ on the Green,” said Rollins. “The fundraising committee works hard to present this event each year. They do an exceptional job getting community groups involved in the cook-off, plus we have several activities for kids, an excellent display of classic cars from two local car clubs, and entertainment by local musicians.”

Organizations and individuals are encouraged to face off in the grilling competition.

Individuals and groups, from backyard barbecuers to professional grillers, have an opportunity to compete in the cook-off. There is no entry fee.

Each contestant is required to provide his/her own setup and samples of the chef’s “grillin’” specialty for 300 people. The competition will culminate in a presentation of the People’s Choice Awards.

The Park Committee is also seeking sponsorships for this year’s event, said Cindy Ustrud, a member of the team organizing the event. Levels of sponsor recognition are $100, $300, $500, $1,000, $3,000 and $5,000. Sponsors will be recognized at the Grillin’ on the Green event.  

All proceeds from the event will benefit the next phase of development of Westside Community Park.

Westside Community Park is a city of Lakeport recreational facility that was established 14 years ago.

The nonprofit Park Committee is developing the park in conjunction with the city of Lakeport, volunteers and numerous contributions by individuals and businesses dedicated to constructing a recreational facility for the youth and adults of Lake County.

For cook-off entry forms or additional information about the event and the barbecue competition, contact Ustrud, 707-263-7091, or Rollins, 707-349-0969.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – In terms of the animals he rides, Raymond Mayo's progression toward his objective of becoming a professional rodeo bull rider has evolved from baaa to baad.

At age 7, the Clearlake youngster was riding sheep. A half-dozen years later, having turned 13 only a month ago and graduating from seventh grade at Pomo Elementary School, Raymond is riding bulls.

In fact, he's riding them so well that later this month he will be among approximately 160 junior high school students competing in the bull riding segment of the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, New Mexico, the world's largest junior high school rodeo.

The event is scheduled for June 23-29 and will be televised online at www.nhsratv.com . The final round can be viewed on RFD television.

Raymond will be representing Lake County and California by virtue of his status as the California State Reserve Junior High School Champion bull rider for District Two for two years running. District Two stretches from Marin to the Oregon border.

Two other qualifiers from California also will compete in bull riding at the national event.

The National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup will not be Raymond's first national rodeo. His riding has taken him all the way to Ft. Worth, the “Cowboy Capitol.”

Since 2007, he has been a steady top-10 rider in his age group at the national level. Last year, as a sixth grader, he graduated from riding steers to riding adolescent bulls at the California Junior High Rodeo Association.

“He has been in the world bull riding finals in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011,” according to his father, Pat, who said it all started when Raymond asked his permission to ride one of his next door neighbor's sheep.

“I said, 'Sure,'” said Pat.

“My sister told me my neighbor was riding a calf,” as Raymond recalls it. “He was about my age and he wanted me to come ride with him. I rode one of his sheep and told my parents about it.”

His parents at the time had no idea that from sheep Raymond would soon graduate to calves, then to steers and finally young bulls.

By then it was too late for Pat and Diane, Raymond's mother, to heed Willie Nelson's and Waylon Jennings' admonition to not let their only son grow up to be a cowboy. Perhaps even the whole nine yards – a career cowboy.

“That's his goal,” said Pat.

“Well, maybe not the whole nine yards,” said Raymond. “I would probably leave out calf-roping and stuff like that.”

As an age-group bull rider, Raymond competes on bulls ranging from 900 to 1,200 pounds. But that's all relative: small cowboys are thoroughly challenged to cowboy up on these twisting beasts.

Pat estimated that Raymond has a 90-percent success rate of staying on his bulls for the qualifying ride of eight seconds.

What attracts him to bull riding is the excitement. “Whenever you ride you get an adrenalin rush,” Raymond said.

Has he been injured?

“Just minor,” said Pat. “He's been stepped on a few times. He's had his bruises. He knows that's inevitable.”

Raymond said his worst spill was when “a bull went head over heels. Broke my helmet and bent my face mask sideways.”

Pat, who works in telecommunications, has been a supportive dad.

As Raymond's coach, he video records his performances, and father and son go over the video together to spot flaws, and – on the rare occasions when Raymond gets bucked off – why.

Diane, a kindergarten teacher for 17 years at Pomo Elementary, in turn, has been a supportive mom, not only for Raymond but for her 11-year-old sixth-grade daughter, Emily, the youngest of three Mayo siblings, who is a barrel racer and pole bender.

“In the beginning it was more fun,” Diane said of Raymond's bull riding “Then when we started stepping up to calves he got a little nervous. We started seeing him not do so well – he was afraid in the chute. So we entered him into a couple of bull riding schools, which I think really helped him. He came out a more competent rider. If he gets into a situation he knows how to get off.”

Still in all, being a mom, she admits she has qualms about his ascension to full-sized bulls, which can weigh as much as a ton and have a fully justifiable reason for being given names like “Gunpowder,” “Abominable,” “Execution,” “Bloody Sunday,” or “Bodacious,” a bull who it is said to have allowed only six of 135 riders to stay mounted for eight seconds.

“When he steps up to full-sized bulls” – which will be August, 2014 – “I'm going to be worried,” Diane says. “I think he has a little bit of fear, but I think he uses that to his advantage. He doesn't let it overtake him.”

For his age, Raymond has had a significant amount of experience. Last year he participated in 20 rodeos, Pat said, most of them local events in towns like Red Bluff, Corning. Potter Valley and Fortuna.

Raymond – or “Ray” as his parents call him – hopes to compete in at least as many this year, including the Middletown Days Rodeo in which he rode this weekend and placed first.

The Middletown event serves as a preliminary for Gallup, where Raymond will ride in two go-rounds.

If he's successful in the preliminary rounds, he'll be among the top 20 to advance to the finals on Saturday night. The national champion will be determined by combined time and scores in the three rounds.

The 1,000 qualifiers – four each from 41 states, five Canadian provinces, Canada and Australia – will be competing for $100,000 in college scholarships.

“I think my chances in Gallup are pretty good,” said Raymond, whose immediate goal is to finish among the top 10.

Editor's note: The Mayo family wishes to thank Shannon Ridge Vineyards and P&L Auto Body for their sponsorship of Raymond Mayo's bull riding. Anyone interested in sponsoring Raymond or donating to cover his expenses should contact Pat Mayo either by phone at 707-701-1615, email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via Facebook, or sending donations via U.S. Mail to The Mayo Family, P.O. Box 723, Clearlake, CA, 95422.

Email John Lindblom at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – A man died and a woman was seriously injured when their vehicle went off Highway 29 and hit a power pole early Saturday evening.

The crash, involving a four-door sedan that hit a power pole on Highway 29 just north of Manning Flat, occurred shortly before 5:20 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

Shortly before the crash, witnesses reported the car had been traveling at around 100 miles per hour and was passing other vehicles in an unsafe manner.

When the sedan hit the power pole the pole was sheered off, but didn't knock the wires completely to the ground, according to Kelseyville Fire Engineer/Paramedic DJ Kennedy.

At about the same time Lake County News received reports from area residents that their power went off.

The female was ejected from the vehicle and the male was trapped inside it, according to radio reports.

Kelseyville Fire, Lake County Fire and Cal Fire units responded, arriving to find both crash victims still alive and breathing, scanner reports stated.

The incident commander called for two air ambulances, assessing the victims as having major injuries, according to radio traffic. A landing zone was set up at Kit's Corner for REACH and CalStar air ambulances.

There also were reports to the California Highway Patrol of a possible third victim, but emergency personnel could not locate another crash victim at the scene and so a third air ambulance that was being called was canceled.

A short time later, medical personnel at the scene reported the male patient had died, which Kennedy later confirmed, and the CalStar air ambulance was canceled, based on reports from the scene.

REACH 6 reported lifting off with one patient for Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital at about 6 p.m.

Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Five cats – adults and kittens – are at the county shelter waiting for homes this week.

They range in age from 10 weeks to 8 years, and all are altered and vaccinated.

In addition to spaying or neutering, cats that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are microchipped before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.

If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets there, hoping you'll choose them.

The following cats at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (other cats pictured on the animal control Web site that are not listed here are still “on hold”).

'Puzzle'

“Puzzle” is a 6-year-old female lilac point Siamese mix.

She has had treatment for injuries and is now available for adoption.

She has a short coat, a docked tail and blue eyes,

Shelter staff said she is very sweet and friendly. Puzzle is fine with bigger dogs, but doesn't get along with any animals smaller than her.

Puzzle's identification number is 19.

Female brown tabby

This female brown tabby is 3 years old.

She has a long, luxurious coat with white markings and gold eyes, and she has been spayed.

She’s in cat room kennel No. 29, ID No. 36214.

Female tuxedo kitten

This black and white kitten is 10 weeks old.

She has a medium-length tuxedo coat paired with a charming mask, gold eyes, weighs 2.2 pounds and has been spayed.

She's in cat room kennel No. 73a, ID No. 36647.

Seal point Siamese

This female seal point Siamese mix kitten is 10 weeks old.

She has a medium-length coat and blue eyes, weighs 2.2 pounds and has been spayed.

She is in cat room kennel No. 73c, ID No. 36650.

Domestic short hair mix

This female domestic short hair mix is 8 years old.

She has a gray and white coat, green eyes, weighs nearly 8 pounds and has been spayed.

She’s in cat room kennel No. 105, ID No. 36162.

Adoptable cats also can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Cats_and_Kittens.htm or at www.petfinder.com .

Please note: Cats listed at the shelter's Web page that are said to be “on hold” are not yet cleared for adoption.

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

 
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – On Saturday Davis Mayor Pro Tem Dan Wolk officially announced his decision to run for the California State Assembly, joining a growing field of candidates who will seek the District 4 seat in 2014.

With the Saturday announcement, Wolk joins a field that includes Lake County Supervisor Anthony Farrington, Davis Mayor Joe Krovoza and Napa County Planning Commissioner Matt Pope.

Mariko Yamada, who will be termed out next year, currently holds the seat for District 4, which includes Lake and Napa counties, and portions of Colusa, Sonoma, Solano and Yolo counties.

Wolk, the son of state Sen. Lois Wolk, made the announcement at Davis' Sycamore Park, next to Willett Elementary School, which he attended as a child.

He was joined by his family and nearly 100 supporters at the event. He was introduced by his wife, Jamima, and talked about the top priorities of his campaign.
 
“I am running for Assembly to restore the California dream for our children and grandchildren,” said Wolk. “Our state has been neglecting their future and that is unacceptable. In the Assembly, I will work to ensure we fully invest in public education, our infrastructure, our environment and our middle class.”

Wolk also announced more than 60 key endorsements from community, education, public safety, economic and other leaders from around the district.

They include former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin, Former Assemblymember and Yolo County Supervisor Helen Thomson, Solano County Supervisor Linda Seifert, Solano County Sheriff Tom Ferrara, Yolo County Sheriff Ed Prieto, Yolo County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jorge Ayala and Napa Vice Mayor Peter Mott.

“I look forward to meeting people from all over Assembly District 4, discussing the issues important to them – and working with them to improve California’s future.”

Dan Wolk has served on the Davis City Council since 2011 and voters returned him to the Council in 2012 with more votes than any other candidate in Davis’ history.

As a city council member, he has led efforts to adopt the surface water project, pushed for greater investment in the city’s roads and bike paths and explored sustainable energy initiatives.

Wolk is deputy county counsel for Solano County, handling public finance, public contracting and water issues. He also is the founder of the Legal Clinic of Yolo County, a legal services provider for low-income families.

Wolk grew up in Davis and attended Davis public schools, before attending Stanford University and receiving his law degree from UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall.

He lives in Davis with his wife, Jamima, a former professional triathlete and small business owner, and their two young daughters, Avery and Layla.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – With a chance to see Twice As Good and the mud bogs for only a $5 admission ticket, a strong crowd turned out for opening night of the inaugural Lake County Spring Fair.

“With nothing to compare to it's hard guess what a new event will do, but we're quite pleased with the first night,” said Lake County Fair Chief Executive Officer Richard Persons.
 
Officials are hoping for more of the same on Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the carnival, musical acts, and grandstand racing activities, the weekend afternoons will also feature a car show shine spread throughout the fairgrounds.

Antique, classic and custom car owners are invited to the fair both afternoons. Cars with drivers and one passenger will be admitted between noon and 2 p.m. through the C Street entrance to the fairgrounds.
 
Weekend events in the grandstand arena include tuff truck, buggy and ATV races on Saturday evening, and an invitational auto race on Sunday evening. All grandstand shows start at 7:30 p.m.

Local participants are also encouraged all three nights, and entry can be made through Lakeport Speedway at 707-279-9577.
 
On Saturday, the Theater Main Stage will host the Lake County Diamonds, playing several sets throughout day. The stage hosts the Mark Weston Band on Sunday. The Mediacom Gazebo Stage will host the Cherry Road Gang for several sets all three days.

In addition to the musical acts, Fill-up the Clown will be strolling the grounds performing magic tricks, creating balloon animals, and generally creating laughter. A face painter will be active near the carnival entrance from the grandstands area.

Other activities at the Lake County Spring Fair include the Midway of Fun carnival, a home and garden pavilion, the car show, and vocational education exhibits. A variety of food, a laser tag building, and various commercial displays round out the event.
 
Spring Fair gates open each day at 2pm, and admission is $5 per person for ages six and older. Children under six are free. Carnival unlimited ride wristbands will be $25 each at the Fair. Parking is $5 per car, and benefits the Kelseyville High School softball program.
 
More information about the Lake County Spring Fair can be found at www.lakecountyfair.com or at the fair's Facebook page.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Quilt Trail has begun its fourth phase with the installation of a quilt block called “Our Town.”

Konocti Art Society is the sponsor of “Our Town” in recognition of the community spirit and involvement that WestAmerica Bank has shown in Lake County.

The bank has supported the Konocti Art Society artists by hosting many art exhibits over the years.

WestAmerica Bank participates in the Kelseyville Pear Festival as a major sponsor, Christmas in the
Country and many other local events and is a true community partner.

The red, blue and black color scheme for “Our Town” was chosen to enhance WestAmerica’s already distinct logo.
 
This building in downtown Kelseyville was built in 1981 and was formerly occupied by Bank of America.

The location is 4025 Main St., Kelseyville. (GPS location: 38° 58’ 39” N, 122° 50’ 15”W.)

“Our Town” is a design variation of Row Houses inspired by the traditional Log Cabin quilt pattern.

“Our Town” is the 39th quilt block to be installed in Lake County. By September of this year 50 quilt blocks will be installed and displayed on barns and buildings throughout the county.

The Lake County Quilt Trail is an agricultural and tourism project designed to promote community pride.

The 8-foot by 8-foot quilt block was drawn and painted by the LC Quilt Trail team, a group of dedicated quilters, graphic artists, painters, writers, carpenters and a videographer.

For more information about the Lake County Quilt Trail visit www.lakecountyquilttrail.com or see the quilt trail on Facebook.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A big group of shepherd mix puppies are joining a variety of other mixed-breed dogs available at the Lake County animal shelter this week.

In addition to the shepherds, there are Labrador Retrievers, Shap Peis and a German Shepherd, boxer and fox terrier mixes, and more in a variety of sizes, ages and temperaments.

Dogs that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed, microchipped and, if old enough, given a rabies shot and county license before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.

If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets hoping you'll choose them.

In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .

The following dogs at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (additional dogs on the animal control Web site not listed are still “on hold”).

Female Shar Pei mix

This female Shar Pei mix is 9 months old.

She has a short tan coat, weighs almost 30 pounds and has been spayed.

You can find her in kennel No. 5, ID No. 36465.

Toy fox terrier mix

This female toy fox terrier mix is 1 year old.

She has a medium-length tricolor coat, weighs 11 pounds and has been spayed.

Find her in kennel No. 8, ID No. 36659.

Male boxer mix

This male boxer mix is 2 years old.

He has a short brown brindle and white coat, weighs 47 pounds and has been neutered.

He’s in kennel No. 9, ID No. 36409.

Labrador Retriever mix

This male Labrador Retriever mix is 2 years old.

He has a short brown coat and weighs 112 pounds. He has been neutered.

Find him in kennel No. 10, ID No. 36407.

Labrador Retriever mix

This female Labrador Retriever mix is 3 years old.

She has a short gold coat, weighs 82 pounds and has been spayed.

She's in kennel No. 15, ID No. 36675.

Male shepherd mix

This male shepherd mix is 3 years old.

He has a short red coat, weighs 79 pounds and has been neutered.

He's in kennel No. 16, ID No. 36505.

Female shepherd mix pup

This female shepherd mix is 11 weeks old.

She has a short red tan and black coat, weighs 17 pounds and has been spayed.

She's in kennel No. 18a, ID No. 36609.

Female shepherd mix pup

This female shepherd mix is 11 weeks old.

She has a short tan and black coat, weighs 17 pounds and has been spayed.

She's in kennel No. 18b, ID No. ID: 36610.

Female shepherd mix pup

This female shepherd mix is 11 weeks old.

She has a short tan and black coat, weighs 17 pounds and has been spayed.

She's in kennel No. 18c, ID No. ID: 36611.

Female shepherd mix pup

This female shepherd mix is 11 weeks old.

She has a short tan and black coat, weighs nearly 17 pounds and has been spayed.

She's in kennel No. 20a, ID No. ID: 36612.

Female shepherd mix pup

This female shepherd mix is 11 weeks old.

She has a short tan and black coat, weighs 17 pounds and has been spayed.

She's in kennel No. 20b, ID No. ID: 36613.

Female shepherd mix pup

This female shepherd mix is 11 weeks old.

She has a short tan and black coat, weighs 17 pounds and has been spayed.

She's in kennel No. 20c, ID No. ID: 36614.

'Boom Boom'

“Boom Boom” is a 3 year old German Shepherd mix.

He has a long tan and black coat, weighs 92 pounds and has been neutered.

Find him in kennel No. 24, ID No. 36721.

Pit bull terrier-shepherd mix

This male pit bull terrier-shepherd is 1 year old.

He has a short tan and black coat and weighs 48 pounds. It was not reported if he has been altered.

He's in kennel No. 25, ID No. 36577.

Male pit bull terrier mix

This male pit bull terrier mix is 1 year old.

He has a short white and brown coat, weighs 60 pounds and has not yet been neutered.

Find him in kennel No. 34, ID No. 36701.

Please note: Dogs listed at the county shelter's Web page that are said to be “on hold” are not yet cleared for adoption.

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Officials said Friday night that the largest of 15 lightning-caused fires on the Mendocino National Forest was nearing full containment.

The Daves Fire remained at 300 acres Friday night, with containment having more than doubled to reach 70 percent during the day, according to a forest report.

It was found on the Grindstone Ranger District Wednesday afternoon following hundreds of lightning strikes earlier in the week.
 
Late Friday, approximately 670 personnel were committed to the incident, which since Friday morning has been under the command of the Northern California Interagency Team 2.
 
Officials said fire crews made good progress on Friday, continuing to construct and strengthen line and initiating mop up to 50 feet within the fire perimeter.

Steep slopes and poor access continue to challenge firefighters. Additionally, severe drought conditions exist across California, resulting in drier, more receptive fuels and high potential for increased fire intensity and a faster rate of spread, officials said.

The fire has resulted in the temporary closure of County Road 55/ Forest Road M4 southwest of Paskenta, including Black Bear Camp, and Forest Road M9 from County Road 313 west to Log Springs. Officials said a temporary flight restriction is in effect for the area around the fire.

Forest officials said the incident is on track to be fully contained on Monday, June 17.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – It takes a lot to organize a new event, but that's what Lake County Fair officials have done in introducing the inaugural Spring Fair.

The new fair, which opened on Friday, wraps up Sunday.

The video above offers an interview with Lake County Fair Chief Executive Richard Persons as well as a tour of the fair.

On tap for the last day are performances by the Mark Weston Band and Cherry Road Gang, the Midway of Fun and a variety of exhibits, and an invitational auto race on Sunday evening. The grandstand shows start at 7:30 p.m.

Spring Fair gates open each day at 2 p.m. Sunday; admission is $5 per person for ages 6 and older. Children under age 6 may attend free.

Carnival unlimited ride wristbands will be $25 each at the Fair. Parking is $5 per car, and benefits the Kelseyville High School softball program.
 
More information about the Lake County Spring Fair can be found at www.lakecountyfair.com or at the Fair's Facebook page.

Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have found compelling evidence of a planet forming 7.5 billion miles away from its star, a finding that may challenge current theories about planet formation.

Of the almost 900 planets outside our solar system that have been confirmed to date, this is the first to be found at such a great distance from its star.

The suspected planet is orbiting the diminutive red dwarf TW Hydrae, a popular astronomy target located 176 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Hydra the Sea Serpent.

Hubble's keen vision detected a mysterious gap in a vast protoplanetary disk of gas and dust swirling around TW Hydrae. The gap is 1.9 billion miles wide and the disk is 41 billion miles wide.

The gap's presence likely was caused by a growing, unseen planet that is gravitationally sweeping up material and carving out a lane in the disk, like a snow plow.

The planet is estimated to be relatively small, at 6 to 28 times more massive than Earth. Its wide orbit means it is moving slowly around its host star. If the suspected planet were orbiting in our solar system, it would be roughly twice Pluto's distance from the sun.

Planets are thought to form over tens of millions of years. The buildup is slow, but persistent as a budding planet picks up dust, rocks, and gas from the protoplanetary disk.

A planet 7.5 billion miles from its star should take more than 200 times longer to form than Jupiter did at its distance from the sun because of its much slower orbital speed and the deficiency of material in the disk. Jupiter is 500 million miles from the sun and it formed in about 10 million years.

TW Hydrae is only 8 million years old, making it an unlikely star to host a planet, according to this theory. There has not been enough time for a planet to grow through the slow accumulation of smaller debris. Complicating the story further is that TW Hydrae is only 55 percent as massive as our sun.

“It's so intriguing to see a system like this,” said John Debes of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Md. Debes leads a research team that identified the gap. “This is the lowest-mass star for which we've observed a gap so far out.”

An alternative planet-formation theory suggests that a piece of the disk becomes gravitationally unstable and collapses on itself. In this scenario, a planet could form more quickly, in just a few thousand years.

“If we can actually confirm that there's a planet there, we can connect its characteristics to measurements of the gap properties,” Debes said. “That might add to planet formation theories as to how you can actually form a planet very far out.”

The TW Hydrae disk also lacks large dust grains in its outer regions. Observations from the Atacama Large Millimeter Array in Chile show dust grains roughly the size of a grain of sand are not present beyond about 5.5 billion miles from the star, just short of the gap.

“Typically, you need pebbles before you can have a planet. So, if there is a planet and there is no dust larger than a grain of sand farther out, that would be a huge challenge to traditional planet formation models,” Debes said.

The team used Hubble's Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) to observe the star in near-infrared light.

The researchers then compared the NICMOS images with archival Hubble data and optical and spectroscopic observations from Hubble's Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS). Debes said researchers see the gap at all wavelengths, which indicates it is a structural feature and not an illusion caused by the instruments or scattered light.

The team's paper was published online June 14 in The Astrophysical Journal.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Spearheading efforts to dismantle sex trafficking networks in California, state Attorney General Kamala Harris on Friday announced the arrest of four individuals accused of pimping young women in a network of brothels located in Northern California.

The arrests are the culmination of a five-month investigation into an organized prostitution ring that trafficked women from Boston and New York to brothels located in residential areas of Sacramento and San Mateo counties.

Once in Northern California, the defendants rotated the women between their brothels on an organized schedule.

“Sex trafficking rings like the one we dismantled yesterday destroy the lives of young women and degrade the social fabric of our communities,” said Attorney General Harris. “I am committed to using all of the law enforcement tools at my disposal to bring to justice those who profit from the cruel and depraved business of sex trafficking.”

On Thursday night, agents with the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Sacramento Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, served arrest and search warrants at multiple locations in Sacramento and San Mateo counties.

As a result of the sweep, four individuals operating the brothels were charged with pimping and/or pandering: Xiu Juan Bai, 43, Sacramento County; Ken Wong, 58, Sacramento County; Yoon Chin, 55, Sacramento County; and Zhi Liu, 49, San Mateo County.

The charges in the complaints are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The operation was part of an ongoing campaign by Attorney General Harris to investigate, prosecute and punish sex traffickers in California.

Last year, Attorney General Harris released “The State of Human Trafficking in California.” The report outlines the growing prevalence of the crime of human trafficking in the state, the increasing involvement of sophisticated transnational gangs in perpetrating the crime and the modern technologies that traffickers use to facilitate it.

The report was released at a Human Trafficking Leadership Symposium, where Attorney General Harris was joined by leaders from law enforcement, victim service groups, non-government organizations, and other groups to share the best strategies and tactics to use in the fight against forced labor and sex trafficking.

Attorney General Harris regularly convenes law enforcement officials in the state to discuss how to recognize, investigate and prosecute human trafficking cases.

Last month, three defendants in a human trafficking ring in which women from Mexico were used as prostitutes in five Northern California cities were sentenced to three years in jail.

For more information on human trafficking, go to: http://www.oag.ca.gov/human-trafficking .