Saturn's icy, ocean-bearing moon Enceladus may have tipped over in the distant past, according to recent research from NASA's Cassini mission.

Researchers with the mission found evidence that the moon's spin axis – the line through the north and south poles – has reoriented, possibly due to a collision with a smaller body, such as an asteroid.

Examining the moon's features, the team showed that Enceladus appears to have tipped away from its original axis by about 55 degrees – more than halfway toward rolling completely onto its side.

"We found a chain of low areas, or basins, that trace a belt across the moon's surface that we believe are the fossil remnants of an earlier, previous equator and poles," said Radwan Tajeddine, a Cassini imaging team associate at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, and lead author of the paper.

The area around the icy moon's current south pole is a geologically active region where long, linear fractures referred to as tiger stripes slice across the surface.

Tajeddine and colleagues speculate that an asteroid may have struck the region in the past when it was closer to the equator.

"The geological activity in this terrain is unlikely to have been initiated by internal processes," he said. "We think that, in order to drive such a large reorientation of the moon, it's possible that an impact was behind the formation of this anomalous terrain."

In 2005, Cassini discovered that jets of water vapor and icy particles spray from the tiger stripe fractures – evidence that an underground ocean is venting directly into space from beneath the active south polar terrain.

Whether it was caused by an impact or some other process, Tajeddine and colleagues think the disruption and creation of the tiger-stripe terrain caused some of Enceladus' mass to be redistributed, making the moon's rotation unsteady and wobbly.

The rotation would have eventually stabilized, likely taking more than a million years. By the time the rotation settled down, the north-south axis would have reoriented to pass through different points on the surface – a mechanism researchers call "true polar wander."

The polar wander idea helps to explain why Enceladus' modern-day north and south poles appear quite different. The south is active and geologically young, while the north is covered in craters and appears much older.

The moon's original poles would have looked more alike before the event that caused Enceladus to tip over and relocate the disrupted tiger-stripe terrain to the moon's south polar region.

The results were published in the online edition of the journal Icarus on April 30.

The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, ESA (European Space Agency) and the Italian Space Agency. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, California, manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. JPL designed, developed and assembled the Cassini orbiter.

More information about Cassini can be found at https://www.nasa.gov/cassini or https://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov

Preston Dyches works at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Rose Family Preschool Program in Lakeport held its graduation ceremony on May 24 before a large crowd of family and friends. 

The 17 graduates presented a 45-minute performance, singing a collection of songs they had learned throughout the school year. 

Their final song, “The Little Caterpillar,” told of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, spreading its wings and learning to fly. 

The students start their beginning preschool program as a caterpillar and return the second year as butterflies for the pre-k program before flying off to kindergarten.

Instructor Martha Rose honored each child with special individual awards for their classroom achievements during the year. 

The class “Student of the Year” academic awards went to Jemma Thompson and Joshua Ponce in the “Butterfly” class and to Emma McKay in the “Caterpillar” class.

Rose adorned each student with invisible wings using her “magic rose” and then presented diplomas to all her students.

Each child was then given a real butterfly for a special butterfly release signifying their metamorphosis. 

A cake decorated with butterflies and caterpillars was served after the program to celebrate their special day.

Rose has been a licensed daycare provider with a preschool program for the past 30 years.

Classes for student’s ages 3 to 5 years will be starting in September with limited openings.

Call 707-263-3283 for more information.

What's in a name? Besides one's reputation, there’s legal ownership and control over one's assets and affairs, and who inherits one's estates involve names.

Your important documents usually include many names, addresses and telephone numbers, in addition your own.

Over time some of these names and contact information will become obsolete due to life changes.

What effects do the disconnects have on the usefulness of the deeds, living trust, and powers of attorney? Let's discuss.
   
Your title documents, particularly deeds to real property, that use your prior name should be retitled into your current name sooner than later to avoid difficulties should you become incapacitated and when you die.

With real property the owner signs a new deed using the owner's prior name as the grantor's name (worded exactly the same as the grantee's name in the current deed) and transfer title into the owner's current name as grantee. Once the deed is recorded the title is updated in the new name.

Sometimes notarizing a deed that is signed using a prior name is difficult because necessary picture identification in the signor's prior name that is acceptable for notary purposes may not be available.

In that case, two so-called "credible witnesses" – persons who both have their own valid picture identification and who are willing to swear to (amongst other things) that they know the the signor of the document by the prior name – appear at the notary's office, take an oath and sign the notary book.

Credible witnesses substitute for the unavailable recent picture identification in the old name.

If real property is owned by you as trustee of your living trust under a prior name then you will need both to amend the trust to update your name as both settlor and trustee and to retitle the trust assets in the trustee's current name.

The trust amendment would be signed by you as the settlor under the old and new names and accepted by you as the trustee under the current name.

What about the obsolete names and contact information of persons you named to act in the future as your successor trustee, agent under a power of attorney or health care directive?

The old names should be replaced as part of your regular updating of estate planning documents but do not usually require a special update whenever a name changes.

If necessary these persons can execute a "same name as" document should they need to step in as your trustee or as agent using a document that calls them by their prior name.

With powers of attorney and advance health care directives it is good practice to attach an up to date information sheet that provides the agents' current names and contact information.

Changes in a primary address have no legal effect, but the disconnect can make it difficult to contact these persons if someone is relying on the contact information provided in the document.

Another place where names are relevant is with beneficiary designations, such as with pay on death and death beneficiary accounts (such as life insurrance, annuity and retirement accounts).

A beneficiary whose name has changed will otherwise need to provide proof that they are the same person as named as death beneficiary under a prior name.

In addition to obsolete names, obsolete account passwords need to be identified and brought up to date. That is, a master list of account titles and current passwords should be available to whomever will need if they are to act as your agent or successor trustee. There are companies who for a fee will safely maintain this information on your behalf.

Moreover, trust and power of attorney documents should provide specific legal authority to allow the trustee and agent to manage digital (electronic) assets on your behalf.

Clearly it is a good idea to revisit one's legal documents and identify the prior (obsolete) names used in the documents and take any necessary action, including to at least keep a current list of people's names and addresses.

Do not, however, write directly on the legal document. Instead compile and attach a list of current names and contact information to the document. Bring them with you to your attorney and financial planner when you next update your estate planning documents.

Dennis A. Fordham, Attorney, is a State Bar-Certified Specialist in estate planning, probate and trust law. His office is at 870 S. Main St., Lakeport, Calif. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and 707-263-3235. His Web site is www.DennisFordhamLaw.com .

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – This weekend the Middletown Art Center is kicking off a yearlong art project and opening its newest art exhibit.

“Five dollars for a five-hour art class – you simply can’t beat that!” said Lisa Kaplan, executive director at the Middletown Art Center, or MAC.

This is a call for the public to come to MAC and, for $5, participate, collaborate and create every first through fourth Saturday in “Resilience.”

“Resilience” is a year-long project that culminates with county-wide exhibits, a chapbook of writings and images, spoken word performances and other community events. 

The project is funded through a Local Impact grant from the California Arts Council with additional local business and community support.

Classes kick off this weekend with the first Saturday of the month dedicated to photography. Cell phone cameras are just fine for this class.

Poetry/written and spoken word follow on the second Saturday each month. On Sunday, June 18, painting will be offered due to Middletown Days, but generally the third Saturday will be devoted to painting and the fourth to drawing/printmaking.

MAC instructors will work in teams and take turns leading classes so that a variety of approaches and techniques in each discipline can be explored.

Classes, which are open to adults of all ages and teens ages 12 up, will run from noon to 5 p.m.

Further details are posted at www.MiddletownArtCenter.org/resilience . Please register in advance online, email or call to reserve your spot.

MAC’s newest exhibit, “Eco-Centric,” also opens this Saturday.

The public is invited to a fun and festive opening reception of new exhibits indoors and out doors from 6 to 8 p.m.

Brian Ward’s Interactive Sound Tree will be on view in the back of the house, and David Neft will be playing tunes in the front.

“Eco-Centric” features a compelling assortment of contemporary artwork by local artists that continue the dialog between art and nature which was the impetus of the EcoArts: Lake County Sculpture Walk.

The Sculpture Walk opened new exhibits each summer for 13 years at the Trailside Park until the Valley fire destroyed the park.

Since June of 2016, the MAC Art Garden on the corner of Highway 175 and Highway 29 has served as a means to continue the tradition and bring large-scale artwork to the center of town. Eco-Centric will be on view through Sunday, July 9.

The Art Center and EcoArts focus on the relationship of man to nature continues through Resilience. In this project the goal is to observe, document and use as inspiration nature’s regeneration and resilience after the fires of 2015 to 2016 through a cycle of seasons.

“Everyone, from beginner to professional, is encouraged to participate in classes in one or all four disciplines. Come to one class, sign up for a series, or take several classes in each discipline,” said Kaplan.

Thanks to this Local Impact grant, the cost is just $5 per class or $60 for a complete series in one discipline.

“Our motivation for this grant was to provide affordable access to the arts for anyone in Lake County. We also set our hours to coordinate with the Lake Transit bus schedule for this purpose. On an individual basis, we can subsidize the class fee and/or bus passes for those who may need further assistance,” explained Kaplan.

“We hope to see lots of folks engage with the arts through this project and encourage people to sign up as soon as possible,” said Kaplan. 

Reserve your spot online with a Paypal payment, via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the MAC at 707-809-8118.

You can sign up in person when MAC is open Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  All payments help support costs associated with the Resilience project. 

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Authorities have identified the two drivers involved in a Thursday wreck that claimed the life of one of them.
 
Norman Smith, 59, of Yolo County died in the Thursday afternoon wreck that occurred on Highway 20 west of New Long Valley Road, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Kory Reynolds.
 
Reynolds identified the second driver who survived as Jeffery Ford, 58, of Clearlake Oaks.
 
Ford suffered major injuries and was flown via a REACH air ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, as Lake County News has reported.
 
On Friday, Santa Rosa Memorial spokesperson Christina Harris said Ford was in critical condition.
 
The CHP said that just after noon on Thursday Smith was driving a 2011 Ford F-350 pickup westbound on Highway 20 at an unknown rate of speed when, for an unknown reason, his pickup crossed the double yellow lines into the eastbound lane.
 
Smith’s pickup collided with Ford, who was riding a 2017 BMW motorcycle eastbound at 55 miles per hour, the CHP reported.
 
The CHP said Ford had tried to evade Smith’s pickup but couldn’t avoid the crash and was thrown from the motorcycle.
 
The CHP said Smith died at the scene.
 
The investigation is continuing, but the CHP said neither drugs nor alcohol were contributing factors in the crash.
 
Smith was using his seat belt and Ford was wearing a helmet, the CHP said.
 
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 – Regulations went into effect as of May 26 to close a 5.5-mile stretch of the Sacramento River to all fishing, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced.

An emergency regulation had expired on March 30 but was made permanent upon adoption of the Fish and Game Commission and filing with the Secretary of State.
 
The Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon population suffered over 95 percent loss of juvenile natural production for the years 2014 and 2015 due to low reservoir storage and elevated water temperatures caused by the pervasive drought. Chinook salmon return to their natal rivers and streams every three years to spawn.
 
"The prolonged drought that ended in 2017 has had a dramatic impact on winter-run, including the 2014 brood year, which will return as adults to spawn this year," said CDFW Fisheries Branch Chief Kevin Shaffer. "It is vital to protect this year's predicted small return of spawning adults and their young, and, over the next few years, to rebuild the stock and prevent extinction of winter-run Chinook."
 
Maximizing adult spawning numbers is critical to the population. CDFW fisheries staff have evaluated recent winter-run Chinook spawning locations and have concluded that the majority of spawning occurs in the recently closed section above the Highway 44 bridge to Keswick Dam.
 
Although fishing for winter-run Chinook in this reach of the Sacramento River is not allowed under current regulations, incidental by-catch by anglers who are not targeting salmon has been documented and is significant, especially during low flow periods.

Even if returned to the water, incidental by-catch stresses the fish, resulting in the potential loss of adults before spawning. A total fishing closure in the holding and spawning areas of winter-run Chinook is necessary to ensure this endangered fish population has the highest chance of survival.
 
As adopted by the Fish and Game Commission and in effect as of May 26:
 
Sacramento River below Keswick Dam, subsection 7.50(b)(156.5)
 
(B) From 650 feet below Keswick Dam to Deschutes Road bridge.
 
1. From 650 feet below Keswick Dam to the Highway 44 bridge.
 
Jan. 1 through March 31 with a bag limit of two hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead and four hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead in possession.
 
Closed to all fishing from April 1 to July 31.
 
Open from Aug. 1 through Dec. 31 with a bag limit of two hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead and four hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead in possession.
 
2. From the Highway 44 bridge to the Deschutes Road bridge.
 
All year with a bag limit of two hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead and four hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead in possession.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – On Wednesday, June 14, the Lake County Democratic Club will welcome summer with a potluck and meeting.

The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m., an hour earlier than the usual meeting time in the social hall of the Lower Lake United Methodist Church, 16255 Second Street.

June is Pride Month and the Club will host two speakers.

Keynote speaker Joey Luiz will address the issue of federal executive orders targeting LGBTQ.

Clearlake Vice Mayor Bruno Sabatier will speak about the city's annual pride proclamation.

The Lake County Democratic Club is an officially chartered club of the Democratic Party of Lake County.

All meetings are open to the public. Membership is open to registered Democrats.

For more information visit www.lakecountydemocraticclub.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .