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NICE, Calif. – A fire damaged a residence at Robinson Rancheria on Monday morning.

The fire in the 4000 block of Meadowlark Circle, next to Robinson Rancheria’s casino, was first reported just after 9:30 a.m. Monday, according to radio reports.

Northshore Fire Chief Jay Beristianos said the fire damaged a modular home at the rancheria.

In addition to Northshore Fire, Cal Fire responded, as did the US Forest Service to handle any potential spread to the wildland, Beristianos said. Lakeport Fire also was responding on mutual aid but was canceled once firefighters on scene had the fire under control.

Beristianos said the fire was partially knocked down by neighbors by the time firefighters arrived on scene.

He said the neighbors had filled a plastic tub with water and were throwing the water through the home’s window. Once firefighters were on scene, they finished putting out the fire.

Reports from the scene indicated forward progress on the fire was stopped at around 9:50 a.m.

Incident command requested the assistance of Red Cross to help two women, a man and a dog displaced by the fire.

Beristianos said the main fire damage was in one bedroom, with smoke damage throughout the rest of the home.

He said the cause of the fire remains under investigation, noting that so far they’ve not been able to identify an obvious source.

Units remained on scene late Monday morning for overhaul and mop up, with Pacific Gas and Electric also responding to pull the damaged home’s meter, according to radio reports.

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.
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NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Sept. 1 deadline for applying to perform for the crowd at the 9th annual Rising Stars Music Competition is rapidly approaching.

Slots in this popular multi-genre are on a first come first served basis and talented local musicians are reserving their spot.

“This is our ninth year of doing Rising Stars and many local musicians have played in the show, and claimed their prizes like studio time from City of Light Recording and Sound, Cash, dig! Music gift certificates and the famous star award,” said event organizer Mary Chadwick. “I couldn’t be prouder of the music that we have presented to the community and truly appreciate the crew, musicians, sponsors and community that makes this event possible.”

Musicians must adhere to the time limits specified, and keep their music family friendly. In an effort to keep things even and allow the musicians to perform as much as possible during their allotted time, backline equipment is provided. Musicians bring minimal gear, plug in to the existing equipment and perform for their fans.

Musicians are encouraged to visit the event’s website at www.risingstarscompetition.com, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Chadwick at 707-272-6514 to get more information. An application secures their spot in this family friendly fun day of music.

Rising Stars is happening in Alex R Thomas Plaza in conjunction with the End of Summer Show & Shine Classic Car show. Vendors like Slam Dunk Pizza and Ukiah Brewing Co. will be on hand to provide food and wares, the car show ends at 3 p.m. but the music plays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This event is a multi-nonprofit fundraiser. Some of the non-profits represented will be Redwood Empire Lions, Ukiah Host Lions, North Coast Energy Services and Guitars for Troops.

Contact your favorite local band and tell them that you want to see them at Rising Stars Music Competition Sept. 16 in Alex R Thomas Plaza.
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"A lake is the landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. It is earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature." – Henry David Thoreau

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Clear Lake is set like a jewel in Lake County.

The Mayacamas Mountains are to the east, and Clear Lake, at nearly 70 square miles, is the largest natural lake wholly within California.

Believed to be the oldest lake in North America, Clear Lake is about a half million years old.

Clear Lake sprawls across the landscape diagonally, with two arms at the narrows pointing southeast.

Mount Konocti, a dormant volcano resting on the Pacific Ring of Fire, emerges on the shoreline across the narrows, rising to 4,305 feet.

Clear Lake and Mount Konocti, two distinct and indivisible landscape features of Lake County contain vast stores of mythology, history and exquisite beauty.

Here at Clear Lake there is something for everyone: fishing, boating, kayaking, bird-watching, hiking and scientific discoveries galore.

To quote the magazine of the California Academy of Sciences, "Dead lakes are clear ..."

Iconic Mount Konocti on Clear Lake in Lake County, Calif. Photo by Kathleen Scavone.


Clear Lake, never truly clear, since it is shallow and eutrophic, was, however, once more clear than it is now. Clear Lake has an average depth of 27 feet.

Our lake's problems began back in the 1920s. Then, construction development, agriculture practices, along with dwindling wetlands and the removal of the once-prolific tule plants, were the causes of the lake's diminishing clarity over time.

These practices removed the natural filtration structures of the lake and allowed excess nutrients from farms, vineyards.

Once, there were close to 9,000 acres of wetlands adjoining the lake, then the wetlands were decreased to 2,000 acres.

Steps are being taken by groups such as the Lake County Land Trust to reclaim valuable wetlands, like Rodman Slough.

Ecology-minded farmers are using lake-friendly farming practices to aid in the lake's water quality as well.

After European settlers arrived around 1840, lands near the lake were cleared for farming. The farming practices of the time caused sediments to wash into the lake, allowing the nutrient level in the lake to rise.

The geologic basin into which Clear Lake sits, the Clear Lake basin, is an extensively studied basin – one of the most studied in the state of California.

Reports from the University of California at Davis show that the lake's unique filtering system controls how much mercury from old mines enters the food chain.

According to local archaeologist Dr. John Parker, in some 1930s geology publications, "It was indicated that that there was a landslide at the north end of Blue Lakes which blocked and backed up the Clear Lake outlet channel causing the shift to the Cache Creek outlet."

He continues, "Yes there is a landslide there ... however it is not old enough to have caused the shift in Clear Lake’s outflow. The US Geological Survey has determined that the landslide is several hundred years (or thousand years) more recent than the change in outflow (which occurred approximately 12,000 years ago). It is likely that Clear Lake flowed out the Blue Lake canyon to the Russian River several times during its 500,000 plus years lifetime. It is also likely that its outlet channel that direction flowed through the Scott’s Creek Canyon a few times (rather than Tule Lake). In addition to the current Cache Creek outlet (which also was probably used many times over the millennia), geologic evidence suggests that the lake flowed past Lower Lake down the canyon by Hidden Valley Lake and drained out Putah Creek a few times."

Boating and fishing are popular pastimes on Clear Lake in Lake County, Calif. Photo by Kathleen Scavone.


Greg Giusti recently delivered a lecture entitled, "What Do We Know About Clear Lake?" at the Clear Lake State Park Visitor Center as part of the Summer Speaker Series sponsored by Clear Lake State Park's Interpretive Association.

Giusti recently retired as Lake and Mendocino County director and advisor for forests and wildland ecology, and holds a master’s degree in ecology from San Francisco State University.

He is a specialist in forest management, wildlife management, vertebrate pest management, wetlands, watersheds, fisheries and freshwater ecology.

Giusti discussed the long association our lake has had with humans, spanning back thousands of years to include the Pomo and Miwok peoples, on up to the pioneers who lived around the lake, and finally, today's recreational uses of the lake by fishermen and other sports and nature enthusiasts.

UC Davis mud core samples from the lake prove that there were once forests much like Cobb Mountain's.

Then, when the ice sheets receded the area became oak-dominated. With the abundance of food, such as fish, grizzly bear, elk and deer, the lake has historically attracted people.

Another interesting facet of Giusti's talk included a NASA image which depicts the abundant phosphorus in the soils adjacent to our lake. This picture delineated where the hotspots for improving the lake are located.

To improve the lake's water quality we need to limit the loss of tule reeds and improve roads as the erosion of the roads harms our lake, and enforce shoreline and stormwater ordinances.

Kathleen Scavone, M.A., is a retired educator, potter, writer and author of “Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: A Walking History, Prehistory, Flora, and Fauna Tour of a California State Park” and “Native Americans of Lake County.” She also formerly wrote for NASA and JPL as one of their “Solar System Ambassadors.” She was selected “Lake County Teacher of the Year, 1998-99” by the Lake County Office of Education, and chosen as one of 10 state finalists the same year by the California Department of Education.
Greg Giusti during a talk he gave at Clear Lake State Park in Kelseyville, Calif. Photo by Kathleen Scavone.
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NORTH COAST, Calif. – In 2011, Mendocino College began its Sustainable Construction and Energy Technology program, offering practical, hands-on instruction for several types of students: homeowners who wanted to do their own renovations, industry professionals who wanted to expand their skills and keep up with regulations, and students who wanted to pursue the building trades. 

Today, the program continues to grow, with classes in Ukiah, Willits, Laytonville, and Lakeport, as well as online.

Program coordinator Jennifer Riddell credits the program’s success to the “outstanding instructors” who use a step-by-step approach to demystify everything from plumbing and electricity to reading blueprints.

The college allows students to take individual courses or sign up for certificate programs, including Construction, Renewable Energy, and Residential Performance and Efficiency.

Referring to a recent survey of current and former students, Riddell said she was pleased (but not surprised) to report that “100 percent of the respondents said that they would recommend the program.”

Most students are between the ages of 18 and 45, but many retirees in their 60s and 70s also enroll. Students come from all walks of life and blend together in the classes, learning from the instructors and from each other, Riddell explained.

One of the most popular instructors is Willits native Noel Woodhouse, who has been with the Mendocino College program since its inception.

After working in construction, he became an instructor. Now he teaches woodworking, construction fundamentals, residential remodel and repair, and construction documents (understanding blueprints). In his spare time, he coaches boys soccer, girls soccer, tennis and track.

Woodhouse teaches at Willits High School and Laytonville High School, because the Sustainable Tech classes are “dual-enrollment” classes, allowing high school students to get college credit.

The classes are unusual compared to other courses taught on those campuses because the classes include both high school students and community members.

“l enjoy the mix of ages in the college classes, both the experience and focus of the older students and the energy of the high school students,” Woodhouse said. “The students seem to thrive with the hands-on nature of the classes.”

Projects in the classes range from small, individual student projects to partnerships with community non-profits like the North Street Collective in Willits and the Gardens Project in Ukiah.

Former students have built chicken coops, shade structures, sheds and other projects; and according to Woodhouse, students in his classes seem to enjoy contributing their labor to the community and they show off their newly acquired skills.

One of the reasons the Mendocino College Sustainable Tech program has flourished is because of the increasing focus of public schools on Career and Technical Education, or CTE.

Because of its practical, hands-on nature, CTE courses can inspire youth who do not excel in traditional classrooms.

CTE often allows students to learn in a more kinetic way, and the practical skills they gain can put students on a path to earning a living doing work they enjoy.

Riddell, who is also a Sustainable Tech instructor, said Woodhouse is one of many excellent instructors, and encouraged anyone interested in taking construction courses to check out www.mendocino.edu/sustainabletech.

She noted that this fall, Woodhouse will teach Construction Documents 1: Understanding Blueprints at Willits High School and Introduction to Woodworking at Laytonville High School. Riddell will teach Construction Fundamentals and Green Building on Fridays at the Ukiah campus, and Sandy Tanaka will return to teach Introduction to Photovoltaics on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Sandy’s students will be putting a stand-alone solar system in our tiny house at the Ukiah campus, and building a shed at Lakeport Center,” said Riddell. “They’ll also be doing two actual solar installs with Grid Alternatives, which continues to be a wonderful partnership for our program.”

Sam Halstad will teach Introduction to plumbing, where students will install two water-collecting cisterns and connect them to the toilet plumbing in the college’s demonstration house. This way, students will have an opportunity to learn about traditional plumbing, graywater systems and rainwater catchment, Riddell explained.

Longtime electrician Craig Bach of Lucerne will teach Introduction to residential electric to help students feel more confident about safely, accurately wiring houses, and Ron Verdier and Nick Pearson will co-teach the construction documents course through the Ukiah campus.

“This is the same class Noel is teaching, but it will be an online lecture with an in-person lab on Mondays in the late afternoons, which we hope will be more convenient for those in the trades,” said Riddell. “Nick is Noel’s counterpart at Ukiah High, and we hope to deepen our relationship with students at Ukiah High through this program.”

In addition to introducing new skills to students, the Sustainable Tech program informs them about how to comply with Title 24 regulations that will go into effect in 2020, affecting “everyone in the construction trades,” Riddell said.

“In our Efficient Heating and Cooling course, we are already talking about these issues and what kinds of modifications will be necessary to meet the new guidelines. What kind of furnace will you install? How will you manage heating and cooling–the biggest energy uses in a home? What kind of HVAC system would you install, if any? These issues are important for people already in the trades who want to get a head start on the new regulations,” she said.

Classes begin Monday, Aug. 21, but there’s still time to register for credit through Sept. 1 or for pass/no pass grading through Sept. 22.

For registration and class information, visit https://www.mendocino.edu.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – State, local and federal firefighters took quick action on Sunday to contain a fire east of Clearlake Oaks while at the same time firefighters in Kelseyville stopped a blaze threatening a structure.

The fires in the two parts of the county were reported about an hour apart on Sunday.

The Water incident, first dispatched shortly before 11:15 a.m., was located on a hillside at the entrance to the Double Eagle Ranch subdivision east of Clearlake Oaks, according to reports from the scene.

Northshore Fire Deputy Chief Mike Ciancio said the fire was located about 30 yards up Watertrough Road, before the subdivision’s entry gate, right off of HIghway 20.

Shortly before noon, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office issued a Nixle alert urging residents in the subdivision to immediately evacuate due to the fire.

There are about 20 ranches up in the subdivision, said Ciancio. “They weren’t all directly affected.”

Ciancio said the fire burned between three and four acres and grass, with no structures damaged. It was 100-percent contained on Sunday afternoon.

He said Northshore Fire and Cal Fire had mutual aid on the incident from Lake County Fire, Kelseyville FIre, South Lake County Fire, the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office sent out a followup message to the community just before 1 p.m. reporting that the fire’s forward progress was stopped and that residents of the area who had been urged to evacuate could return home.

Ciancio said the local fire districts were released from the Water incident throughout the afternoon.

He said shortly after 5 p.m. that two Northshore Fire water tenders remained on the scene along with Cal Fire for monitoring and mop up, a process expected to wrap up shortly.

Ciancio said the fire’s cause remains under investigation.

Shortly after noon, a fire was reported in the area of Larkspur Way and Emerald Drive in the Clear Lake Riviera, based on scanner reports.

Originally reported as a small vegetation fire that had impacted a structure, units on scene reported over the radio that they found that the structure wasn’t involved.

The fire was reported to have been contained just before 12:30 p.m., according to radio reports.

Reports from the scene estimated that the fire burned about a quarter-acre of grass.

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.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has six dogs that are cleared to go to new homes as this week begins.

The dogs available this week include mixes of border collie, Chihuahua, German Shepherd, husky, Labrador Retriever, shepherd and terrier.

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.

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”).

This young male terrier mix is in kennel No. 3, ID No. 8369. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.


Male terrier mix

This young male terrier mix has a short brown and white coat.

He’s in kennel No. 3, ID No. 8369.

This male German Shepherd is in kennel No. 10, ID No. 8298. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.


Male German Shepherd

This male German Shepherd has a medium-length black and brown coat.

He’s in kennel No. 10, ID No. 8298.

This male Chihuahua mix is in kennel No. 8355, ID No. 11. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.


Male Chihuahua

This male Chihuahua mix has a short tan coat.

He’s in kennel No. 8355, ID No. 11.

“Satchel” is a male border collie and Labrador Retriever mix in kennel No. 12, ID No. 8275. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.


‘Satchel’

“Satchel” is a male border collie and Labrador Retriever mix with a short black and white coat.

He already has been neutered.

He’s in kennel No. 12, ID No. 8275.

This female shepherd mix is in kennel No. 19, ID No. 8315. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.


Female shepherd mix

This female shepherd mix has a short brindle coat.

She’s in kennel No. 19, ID No. 8315.

This male husky is in kennel No. 32, ID No. 8360. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.


Male husky

This male husky has a long gray and white coat.

He’s in kennel No. 32, ID No. 8360.

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, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.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.
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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – The 22nd annual Nome Cult Walk from Chico to the Round Valley Indian Reservation in Covelo will take place Sept. 9 to Sept. 16.

The 100-mile trek crosses through the northern part of the Mendocino National Forest and follows the route that Americans Indians were forced to march from Chico to the Nome Cult Reservation in 1863.

Descendants of the native peoples who took part in the original relocation and other supporters walk the route each year.

Although the path itself has disappeared, this route is now called the Nome Cult Trail.

The theme of the walk is “Honor their memory … a path not forgotten.”

In September 1863, 461 American Indians were marched under guard from Chico to the Nome Cult Reservation nearly 100 miles across the Sacramento Valley and rugged North Coast Range. Only 277 completed the journey.

The removal of American Indians from Chico to the Nome Cult Reservation is one of the many forced relocations following the establishment of reservations in Northern California in the 1850s.

Several different tribes were moved to the Nome Cult Reservation after it was established in Round Valley in 1856.

Organizers said the walkers will gather at Bidwell Park in Chico on Sept. 9 and begin their walk toward Orland. Stopover points will include campgrounds in Orland and Log Springs, Wells Cabin, Eel River Ranger Station and then on to the Round Valley Indian Reservation.

The Mendocino National Forest asks that people traveling on forest roads along the trail route be mindful of the event and careful of the walkers to ensure their safety.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – It’s been nearly 15 years since the Lake County Model Railroad Club ended its nomadic journey throughout the county and took up residence in the old National Guard Armory at the Lakeport Fairgrounds, turning a collection of portable tables into what is now a miniature empire of sights and sounds much to the delight of children of all ages.

“We began with an idea to build a railroad we could have fun with,” said Bill Cossey, a longtime member and club vice president. “What we have now is a look at California of 70 years ago when the railroad was still our Nation’s primary mode of transportation.”

The club was started more than 30 years ago by three men, meeting in whatever donated space they could find, according to the club’s brochure

“We didn’t have many rules in those days,” said Cossey. “The idea was to have fun.”

Model railroading or the “World’s Greatest Hobby,” as it’s touted by the Tennessee-based National Model Railroad Association, is shared by more than 250,000 Americans and at least a million hobbyists throughout the world.

The club models in HO scale or 1/87th actual size and has more than 800 feet of track which meanders through cities, farmland and mountains in its journey across the “state.”

They have also included a section devoted to the old narrow gage logging and mining trains that were once a part of our state’s history.

“There is a lot more involved in the hobby than setting up a circle of track and running trains,” said Cossey.

He said club members combine their talents to produce believable miniaturizations of railroad life in the 1950s and 1960s.

The hobby has even adopted digital technology that allows the railroad to operate as it did in real life, Cossey said.

“From lights in the buildings, sounds in the streets and the roar of the locomotive, computers play a huge roll in our hobby,” said Cossey. “We hope to one day have all sorts of special effects and animations controlled from a laptop computer.”

Although all the track work has been completed the layout is far from finished with member attention being focused upon scenery construction and maintenance.

“They say a model railroad is never finished but is in a constant state of improvement,” said Cossey. “We’ll finish a scene but then get a better idea and start over. But that’s what makes this hobby fun.”

Cossey said that the club welcomes new members of all ages – children under 14 need parental supervision – and they are a 100-percent NMRA club.

They will be open to visitors during the Lake County Fair which opens Thursday, Aug. 31, and continues through Sunday, Sept. 3.

The Lake County Model Railroad Club meets every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m., except holidays. Visitors are welcome anytime.

For more information contact Cossey at 707-274-8636 or Dave Fromer at 707-461-4025.

Dave Fromer lives in Hidden Valley Lake.
See the trains during the Lake County Model Railroad Club’s open house during the Lake County Fair, which takes place from Thursday, August 31, to Sunday, September 3, 2017. Photo by Dave Fromer.
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NASA's James Webb Space Telescope will use its infrared capabilities to study the "ocean worlds" of Jupiter's moon Europa and Saturn's moon Enceladus, adding to observations previously made by NASA's Galileo and Cassini orbiters.

The Webb telescope's observations could also help guide future missions to the icy moons.

Europa and Enceladus are on the Webb telescope's list of targets chosen by guaranteed time observers, scientists who helped develop the telescope and thus get to be among the first to use it to observe the universe.

One of the telescope's science goals is to study planets that could help shed light on the origins of life, but this does not just mean exoplanets; Webb will also help unravel the mysteries still held by objects in our own solar system (from Mars outward).

Geronimo Villanueva, a planetary scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, is the lead scientist on the Webb telescope's observation of Europa and Enceladus.

His team is part of a larger effort to study our solar system with the telescope, spearheaded by astronomer Heidi Hammel, the executive vice president of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, or AURA. NASA selected Hammel as an interdisciplinary scientist for Webb in 2002.

Of particular interest to the scientists are the plumes of water that breach the surface of Enceladus and Europa, and that contain a mixture of water vapor and simple organic chemicals.

NASA's Cassini-Huygens and Galileo missions, and NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, previously gathered evidence that these jets are the result of geologic processes heating large subsurface oceans.

"We chose these two moons because of their potential to exhibit chemical signatures of astrobiological interest," said Hammel.

Villanueva and his team plan to use Webb's near-infrared camera, or NIRCam, to take high-resolution imagery of Europa, which they will use to study its surface and to search for hot surface regions indicative of plume activity and active geologic processes.

Once they locate a plume, they will use Webb's near-infrared spectrograph, NIRSpec, and mid-infrared instrument, or MIRI, to spectroscopically analyze the plume's composition.

Webb telescope's observations might be particularly telling for the plumes on Europa, the composition of which largely remains a mystery.

"Are they made of water ice? Is hot water vapor being released? What is the temperature of the active regions and the emitted water?" questioned Villanueva. "Webb telescope's measurements will allow us to address these questions with unprecedented accuracy and precision."

For Enceladus, Villanueva explained that because that moon is nearly 10 times smaller than Europa as seen from the Webb telescope, high-resolution imagery of its surface will not be possible.

However, the telescope can still analyze the molecular composition of Enceladus' plumes and perform a broad analysis of its surface features.

Much of the moon's terrain has already been mapped by NASA's Cassini orbiter, which has spent about 13 years studying Saturn and its satellites.

Villanueva cautioned that while he and his team plan to use NIRSpec to search for organic signatures (such as methane, methanol, and ethane) in the plumes of both moons, there is no guarantee the team will be able to time the Webb telescope's observations to catch one of the intermittent emissions, nor that the emissions will have a significant organic composition.

"We only expect detections if the plumes are particularly active and if they are organic-rich," said Villanueva.

Evidence of life in the plumes could prove even more elusive. Villanueva explained that while chemical disequilibrium in the plumes (an unexpected abundance or scarcity of certain chemicals) could be a sign of the natural processes of microbial life, it could also be caused by natural geologic processes.

While the Webb telescope may be unable to concretely answer whether the subsurface oceans of the moons contain life, Villanueva said it will be able to pinpoint and better characterize active regions of the moons that could merit further study.

Future missions, such as NASA's Europa Clipper, the primary objective of which is to determine if Europa is habitable, could use Webb's data to hone in on prime locations for observation.

The James Webb Space Telescope is the scientific complement to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. It will be the most powerful space telescope ever built. Webb is an international project led by NASA with its partners, European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency.

For more information about the Webb telescope, visit: http://www.jwst.nasa.gov or http://www.nasa.gov/webb.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has a big group of kittens plus some adults cats needing homes.

This week’s cats and kittens come in a range of ages, with coats ranging from medium to short hair in a variety of colors.

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

For those looking for a barn cat to keep the rodents at bay, be sure to ask about the barn cat adoption program. Feral barn cats are adopted out for $1 each, which includes altering, ear notching and vaccines.

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”).

This male tabby cat is in foster, ID No. 8276. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male orange tabby

This male tabby cat has a short orange and white coat and gold eyes.

He’s in foster, ID No. 8276.

This male domestic short hair kitten is in kennel No. 16c, ID No. 8257. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair kitten

This male domestic short hair kitten has a gray coat and gold eyes.

He’s in kennel No. 16c, ID No. 8257.

This female domestic medium hair mix kitten is in kennel No. 60d, ID No. 8149. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic medium hair mix kitten

This female domestic medium hair mix kitten has a gray tabby and black coat and gold eyes.

She’s in kennel No. 60d, ID No. 8149.

This male domestic short hair kitten is in kennel No. 103b, ID No. 8250. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair kitten

This male domestic short hair kitten has a gray tabby coat and gold eyes.

He’s in kennel No. 103b, ID No. 8250.

This female domestic short hair cat is in kennel No. 108, ID No. 8095. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair cat

This female domestic short hair cat has a lynx point coat and blue eyes.

She already has been spayed.

She’s in kennel No. 108, ID No. 8095.

This male domestic medium hair mix kitten is in kennel No. 111b, ID No. 8228. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic medium hair mix kitten

This male domestic medium hair mix kitten has a black coat and green eyes.

He’s in kennel No. 111b, ID No. 8228.

This male domestic short hair kitten is in kennel No. 131a, ID No. 8272. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair kitten

This male domestic short hair kitten has an orange tabby coat and gold eyes.

He’s in kennel No. 131a, ID No. 8272.

This male domestic short hair kitten is in kennel No. 131b, ID No. 8273. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair kitten

This male domestic short hair kitten has a gray tabby coat and gold eyes.

He’s in kennel No. 131b, ID No. 8273.

This female domestic short hair kitten is in kennel No. 131c, ID No. 8274. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair kitten

This female domestic short hair kitten has an orange tabby coat and gold eyes.

She’s in kennel No. 131c, ID No. 8274.

This female domestic short hair kitten is in kennel No. 131e, ID No. 8277. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair kitten

This female domestic short hair kitten has a tortie coat and gold eyes.

She’s in kennel No. 131e, ID No. 8277.

This male domestic short hair kitten is in kennel No. 131f, ID No. 8278. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair kitten

This male domestic short hair kitten has an orange tabby coat and gold eyes.

He’s in kennel No. 131f, ID No. 8278.

This male domestic short hair kitten is in kennel No. 131g, ID No. 8279. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair kitten

This male domestic short hair kitten has a black coat and gold eyes.

He’s in kennel No. 131g, ID No. 8279.

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, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said several events are coming up over the next few weeks in honor of fallen Deputy Rob Rumfelt.

Sgt. Corey Paulich said there will be a candlelight vigil on Tuesday, Aug. 29, to remember Rumfelt, who died in the line of duty in Lakeport on Aug. 22.

Paulich said the vigil will be held at Library Park in Lakeport beginning at 8 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Those attending may bring their own candle, utilize the light mechanism on their cell phone or a small flashlight. There will not be any candles available at the vigil, Paulich said.

Paulich said there also is a public viewing scheduled for noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, located at 1625 N. High St. in Lakeport.

The memorial service for Deputy Rumfelt will be held at Clear Lake High School’s Don Owens Stadium in Lakeport on Saturday, Sept. 9. Paulich said the service is scheduled to begin promptly at 10 a.m.

More details will be provided as the planning process progresses throughout the week, he said.
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Alex Michael Castillo, 21, of Nice, Calif., remains in the Lake County Jail for a number of charges including domestic violence and resisting arrest. He was arrested on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, after fighting with two sheriff’s deputies attempting to take him into custody for domestic violence. One of them later died following a vehicle crash. Lake County Jail photo.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – A domestic violence suspect who fought with deputies shortly before one of them died earlier this week has made an initial court appearance, with the district attorney indicating he’s holding off on manslaughter and other charges related to the death pending the deputy’s autopsy results.

Alex Michael Castillo, 21, of Nice was arraigned in Lake County Superior Court on Thursday morning, according to District Attorney Don Anderson.

Castillo was taken into custody on Tuesday night in Lakeport after he fought with Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Rob Rumfelt and Deputy Nate Newton, who had responded to the 900 block of Boggs Lane to back up Lakeport Police Sgt. Joe Eastham on a report of several subjects fighting.

Anderson said Castillo had assaulted his wife and mother-in-law during the incident, and was leaving the area covered with blood that investigators believe may have been his wife’s.

A short time later, after the deputies arrested Castillo, Rumfelt was leaving in his Ford SUV patrol vehicle when he crashed into a tree on Hartley Street north of 20th Street. Rumfelt was declared dead at Sutter Lakeside Hospital later that night.

Anderson had told Lake County News earlier this week that he intended to charge Castillo with voluntary manslaughter in connection to Rumfelt’s death.

However, by the time of Castillo’s appearance before Judge Michael Lunas on Thursday, that charge hadn’t been filed, according to Anderson.

Instead, the charges against Castillo at that point in included domestic violence, two counts of resisting arrest, a number of probation violations and resisting an officer resulting in death, Anderson said.

On Thursday, the same day Castillo was in court, an autopsy was performed on Rumfelt’s body in Napa County, with a procession bringing him home later in the day, as Lake County News has reported.

While on Friday Anderson had some preliminary results from Rumfelt’s autopsy, he said his office would await the full results in order to make a final charging decision.

As such, Anderson told Lake County News on Friday that his office isn’t currently alleging that Castillo was the cause of Rumfelt’s death, and that he’s not going to pursue the charges of voluntary manslaughter or resisting an officer leading to death against Castillo – at least not yet.

Anderson said the key to the case is to determine the cause of death for the 50-year-old Rumfelt, a veteran law enforcement officer who had served in the US Marines and was an assistant football coach at Clear Lake High School.

“That’s really a mystery right now,” Anderson said of Rumfelt’s death, with the preliminary autopsy results not shedding enough light on the matter.

Anderson said it may take as long as two to three months to have some certainty about the cause.

He said of the autopsy, “Until we get that, I don’t want to have someone in custody for those charges.”

At that time, Anderson said he could decide to refile the charge of resisting arrest leading to death and also could add the manslaughter charge.

Castillo is due to return to court on Tuesday, at which point his newly appointed defense attorney, Andrea Sullivan, will make her first appearance in the case, Anderson said.

Anderson said his office is filing an amended complaint against Castillo that will be heard on Tuesday. In that complaint, the charge of resisting an officer resulting in death will be dropped, while a count of child endangerment will be added.

Witnesses had reported to Lake County News that Castillo had been seen leaving the area of the Tuesday night fight with a child, a detail that hadn’t been noted in initial law enforcement accounts of the incident.

Anderson on Friday confirmed to Lake County News that Castillo was taking his young child with him as he was attempting to leave when the deputies caught up to him.

He said Castillo wouldn’t put the child down as he began to fight with Rumfelt and Newton, which resulted in the child endangerment charge.

Castillo remains in the Lake County Jail with bail set at $1.5 million, which Anderson said is for violating his probation for a previous domestic violence conviction.

Many other aspects of the investigation are still actively under way, Anderson said.

Anderson said Rumfelt’s patrol vehicle – which sustained major front-end damage in the crash – remains in secure storage pending an examination.

He said he hasn’t yet decided whether the California Highway Patrol’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team will be asked to look at the vehicle or if it will be done by one of his investigators in-house.

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.

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