The latest report from the California Employment Development Department put Lake County's unemployment rate at 18.2 percent, down 1.3 percent over March and down 0.2 percent from April 2010. That's the lowest local rate since October 2010.

California's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 11.7 percent, down 0.6 percent from March, according to Dennis Mullins of the Employment Development Department's Labor Market Information Division. The April 2010 unemployment rate was 12.4 percent.

The number of people unemployed in California was 2,143,000 – down by 33,000 over the month, and down by 111,000 compared with April of last year, according to the report.

Nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 8,900 in March, according to data from two separate surveys the Employment Development Department uses to compile the report.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics said the unemployment rate increased in April, rising from 8.8 percent to 9.0 percent. During that month, the agency said 39 states reported unemployment rate decreases, three states and the District of Columbia registered rate increases, and eight states had no rate change. The national unemployment rate was 9.8 percent in April 2010.

Lake's unemployment rate ranked it No. 52 among the state's 58 counties. It was ranked No. 49 in March.

The labor force in April included 24,270 people, with 4,410 unemployed. In March the workforce had 24,510 people in it 4,780 people out of work, according to state statistics.

Statewide, Marin had the lowest unemployment, 7.6 percent, and Imperial the highest, with 27.9 percent, the report showed.

Lake's neighboring counties registered the following unemployment rates and statewide ranks: Colusa, 21.1 percent, No. 56; Glenn, 16.5 percent, No. 43; Yolo, 12.8 percent, No. 26; Mendocino, 11.6 percent, No. 19; Napa, 9.6 percent, No. 8; and Sonoma, 9.8 percent, No. 10.

Among local cities and communities, Clearlake Oaks had the highest unemployment, 26.7 percent, followed by Nice, 26.1 percent; the city of Clearlake, 25.7 percent; Lucerne, 19.2 percent; Kelseyville, 18.4 percent; Middletown, 18.5 percent; city of Lakeport, 17.5 percent; Cobb, 16.2 percent; Lower Lake, 15.2 percent; Hidden Valley Lake, 15.1 percent; and north Lakeport, 14.4 percent. Upper Lake had the lowest unemployment rate, 9.5 percent.

Mullins said Lake County's industry employment increased by 130, ending the month-over period with 12,310 jobs. That's compared to just 10 jobs added in March.

Overall, Mullins said eight sectors gained or were unchanged over the month and three declined. Government employment remained down 150 jobs over the year.

He said month-over job growth occurred in manufacturing, 10; Trade, transportation and utilities, 30; leisure and hospitality, 130; other services, 10; government, 40.

Industries that reported job losses for the month included farm, 100; financial activities, 10; and professional and business services, 10, according to Mullins.

No changes were reported in mining, logging and construction; information; and private educational and health services, Mullins said.

State, federal surveys show job growth in April

Across California, nonfarm jobs in April totaled 14,054,900, an increase of 8,900 jobs over the month, according to a survey of 42,000 businesses that is larger and less variable statistically and used to measure jobs in the economy. The state said the year-over-year change – April 2010 to April 2011 – showed a 1 percent, increase or 144,400 jobs.

The federal survey of households, done with a smaller sample than the survey of employers, showed an increase in the number of employed people. That survey estimated the number of Californians holding jobs in April was 15,939,000, an increase of 37,000 from March, but down 21,000 from the employment total in April of last year.

The Employment Development Department reported that payroll employment – wage and salary jobs – in the state's nonfarm industries totaled 14,054,900 in April, a net gain of 8,900 jobs since the March survey. In March there was a loss of 14,900 jobs.

The state said six categories – mining and logging; manufacturing; trade, transportation and utilities; educational and health services; leisure and hospitality; and other services – added jobs over the month, gaining 31,400 jobs. Leisure and hospitality posted the largest increase over the month, adding 12,400 jobs.

Five categories – construction; information; financial activities; professional and business services; and government – reported job declines over the month, down 22,500 jobs. Government posted the largest decrease over the month, down 11,200 jobs, the Employment Development Department said.

The Employment Development Department said that eight industry divisions – mining and logging; construction; manufacturing; trade, transportation and utilities; information; professional and business services; educational and health services; and leisure and hospitality – posted job gains over the year, adding 210,300 jobs.

Professional and business services posted the largest gain on a numerical basis, adding 58,800 jobs, up 2.9 percent. Information posted the largest gain on a percentage basis, up by 7 percent, an increase of 29,200 jobs, the state said.

Three categories – financial activities, other services and government – posted job declines over the year, down 65,900 jobs, the state said. Of those categories, government posted the largest decline on

both a numerical and percentage basis, down by 59,200 jobs, or 2.4 percent.

The Employment Development Department reported that there were 584,141 people receiving regular

unemployment insurance benefits during the April survey week, compared with 630,829 last month and 729,211 last year.

The state said new unemployment claims edged up slightly in April, to 63,739, compared with 61,076 in March and 83,896 in April of last year.

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This beautiful head of cauliflower grows in the protection of collard-like leaves at the Kelseyville, Calif. farm of Sky Hot Specialty Grower. The leaves are edible, but are relatively tough, so require a long cooking time. Photo by Esther Oertel.

This week’s title is a reference to a quote by Mark Twain: “Cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education.”

If the witty Mr. Twain meant that advanced degrees won’t alter humble roots, he may not be too far from the truth.

Cauliflower is a descendant of wild cabbage native to the coastal regions of western and southern Europe.

Along with relatives such as cabbage, broccoli, collards, Brussels sprouts, kale, bok choy, radishes and mustard, cauliflower is a member of the family of plants known as brassicas, all containing powerful phytochemicals that possess proactive health benefits.

Plants from this genus are sometimes called cole crops, a term derived from the Latin word for stem or cabbage. They’re also known as cruciferous vegetables because of the resemblance their four-petaled flowers bear to a Greek cross.

The head of the cauliflower, composed of bunches of tiny florets on clusters of stalks, is known as the curd. (Appropriate, in my opinion, because of its resemblance to curds formed in cheese making.)

Cauliflower draws its name from the Latin word for cabbage, “caulis,” and flower, a nod to its unique place in a family of plants known mainly for their green leafiness.

In addition to the creamy white color we commonly see, there are cauliflower varieties that sport lime green, purple or orange heads. Colored cauliflower is generally sweeter and more strongly flavored than its white cousins, and the orange variety has the added benefit of being rich in beta-carotene.

As a cold weather crop, cauliflower is generally available in the fall and winter; however, a spring crop is grown in mild climates and should be available at local farmers’ markets.

The best cauliflowers are those consumed within a few days of picking, making these venues perfect spots for purchase. If you can find a head still surrounded with its large, protective leaves, all the better.

Because of its delicate taste, cauliflower works well when paired with foods with strong flavors, such as pungent cheeses, garlic, curry, mustard, lemon, pepper, cumin, anchovies and the like.

In contrast to this, it’s also a favorite with rich, comforting ingredients like cream, butter and mildly-flavored cheeses for applications such as a casserole with béchamel sauce, steamed florets with a cheesy topping or baked with butter and bread crumbs.

Roasted cauliflower is a favorite treat of mine, ranking right up there with gooey chocolate desserts. The process of roasting brings out an amazingly sweet nutty flavor and there’s nothing like it.

While I enjoy roasted cauliflower as is, it may be pureed (on its own or with potatoes) for an especially comforting yet healthy food. Using cauliflower in mashed potatoes adds nutrition and reduces the amount of carbohydrates consumed. A dab of hearty mustard, garlic or sharp cheese is a nice addition to the mixture.

Roasted cauliflower may be pureed for thickness with mild white beans, such as cannelloni, and used as a spread – either warm or cold, on toasted slices of baguette.

When pureed and heated with a bit of broth, roasted cauliflower makes a creamy and flavorful soup. It can be finished, if desired, with some half and half or cream, but that’s not a necessity.

A simple sauce of Dijon mustard, lemon juice and sour cream or yogurt is a perfect way to dress up lightly-steamed cauliflower. These flavors also work when making a dip for raw cauliflower florets.

One of the most creative uses of cauliflower I’ve seen is to boil it with broccoli until very tender, and then further cook the veggie pair with olive oil, garlic, thyme, a bit of reserved cooking water and, if desired, a few hot peppers until tender enough to mash.

This mixture is then piped into tubes of uncooked cannelloni pasta, which are baked until tender in a white sauce with basil and mozzarella cheese. My mouth is watering just thinking of it.

Rows of cauliflower are laid out alongside rows of their cousin, broccoli, at the Sky Hoyt Specialty Grower farm in Kelseyville, Calif. Photo by Esther Oertel.

Cauliflower is popular in Indian cooking, and an especially tasty take on this cuisine is to fry them after dipping in a batter seasoned with curry and cumin.

A unique cooking method to achieve maximum creaminess is to use milk, either dairy or almond, as a medium for gently cooking the florets on the stove top.

Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, contains an array of other vitamins and minerals and is a good source of dietary fiber. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying benefits and is a very good source of omega 3 fatty acids.

The phytonutrients present in cauliflower as a member of the brassica family provide a variety of health benefits, including protection against heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

A powerful cancer-fighting phytonutrient, sulforaphane, is responsible for the unpleasant smell that cauliflower and its vegetable cousins emit when cooking; however, its positive health benefits far outweigh that unpleasantness.

When buying cauliflower, choose heads that are firm with compact florets. Stay away from those which have developed brown spots on the curd. The surrounding leaves should be green with no sign of yellowing.

Cauliflower may be stored, unwashed and uncooked, in the fridge for 3 to 5 days when tightly wrapped. Cooked cauliflower will generally keep for 1 to 3 days.

Today’s recipe is a basic one for roasting cauliflower, simple yet immensely delicious, an important one to have in your repertoire. Grating fresh Parmesan cheese on the finished product is optional. Enjoy!

Roasted cauliflower

1 head of cauliflower, rinsed and patted dry

2 or 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and coarsely minced

Lemon juice from half a lemon

Extra virgin olive oil

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

Fresh Parmesan cheese for grating, optional

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut cauliflower into florets and put in a single layer in an oven-proof baking dish.

Toss in the garlic.

Squeeze lemon juice over the cauliflower, drizzle each piece with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Roast cauliflower in the oven, uncovered, for 25 – 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly brown. The cauliflower should be soft and fork tender.

Remove from oven and sprinkle generously with Parmesan, if desired.

Serve immediately.

Makes about four servings.

Esther Oertel, the “Veggie Girl,” is a culinary coach and educator and is passionate about local produce. Oertel teaches culinary classes at Chic Le Chef in Hidden Valley Lake, Calif., and The Kitchen Gallery in Lakeport, Calif., and gives private cooking lessons. She welcomes your questions and comments; e-mail her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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The quake was recorded at 7:04 p.m. two miles south southeast of Hercules, eight miles north of Berkeley and 17 miles north northeast of San Francisco, according to the US Geological Survey.

The depth of the quake was 6 miles, US Geological Survey records showed.

The survey reported receiving 3,977 shake reports from 182 zip codes as of 2 a.m. Sunday.

Most of the reports were from around California, although one was from Graham, Wash.

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Over the four-day period that ended Sunday, Northshore Fire had been up Elk Mountain Road several times to respond to injuries that resulted both from fights and car crashes, according to Battalion Chief Steve Hart.

Early Sunday morning an individual was assaulted at the Oak Flat campground. “We went up there to retrieve the patient,” said Hart.

During the several days of activity, they also responded to a rollover crash in the area, Hart said.

A possible contributor to the increased level of calls is a large amount of activity at local campgrounds, he said.

“The fire chief said the campgrounds are full for unknown reasons,” said Hart. “Nice weekend, nice weather, people are staying close to home.”

He added, “I think we better get used to this,” especially with the Memorial Day weekend around the corner. “I hope next weekend isn't as bad.”

On Sunday there also was a huge number of dirt bikes traveling between Upper Lake and Bartlett Springs, according to Hart.

“I've never seen that many. Never,” he said. “There was literally hundreds.”

Hart said that the bikers didn't cause any problems. “Not one.”

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The quake occurred at 1:53 a.m., according to the US Geological Survey.

It was centered six miles west of Lakeport and 12 miles southeast of Ukiah at a depth of 2.9 miles, the agency reported.

Twenty-four shake reports from five zip codes – Lakeport, Hopland, Ukiah, Forestville and Martinez – had been submitted to the survey by 2:30 a.m.

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Tulip Hill Winery owner Budge Brown's plane was found Friday, May 20, 2011, in the El Dorado National Forest near Placerville, Calif. It's believed he crashed two days earlier on the way to Tracy, Calif., from Minden, Nev.

Robert Henderson “Budge” Brown Sr., 78, of Gardnerville, Nev., was reported missing by his son Wednesday evening after he failed to arrive in Tracy following a brief plane trip from Minden, Nev., as Lake County News has reported.

His son, Jeff Brown, confirmed late Friday that his father's plane was discovered by searchers earlier in the afternoon, a discovery he was notified of at around 4:30 p.m.

A body also was discovered in the wreckage, but it has yet to be positively identified, Jeff Brown said.

Budge Brown was a respected businessman and member of the wine industry, who owned wineries in Nevada and in California, including Tulip Hill Winery in Nice.

He had been expected in Tracy at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, his son said. He had flown the route hundreds of times in his 33 years as a pilot.

Sheriff's officials said there had been no emergency radio traffic received from Budge Brown and no emergency locator transmitter from his plane. Jeff Brown said his father didn't have a flight plan, which is recommended but not required.

The Amador County Sheriff's Office's Search and Rescue Nordic Team, assisted by the Civil Air Patrol and the California Highway Patrol, had conducted a search since early Thursday morning in the southeastern area of Amador County within the El Dorado National Forest, officials reported.

It was there that Brown's Lancair, composite, single engine airplane – which had been tracked by radar – had reportedly dropped from 15,000 to 12,000 feet in altitude before falling off the radar at the 11,000-foot level over the national forest.

The sheriff's office said the Civil Air Patrol had identified the search area based on analysis of radar data and experience with past aircraft accidents.

The region still has snow on the ground, with the Civil Air Patrol said presented “somewhat of a challenge” in the search for the white aircraft.

Ground and snowmobile teams, Civil Air Patrol aircraft and two CHP helicopters were involved in the search, as the area was heavily wooded and covered with 6 to 10 feet of snow, according to an Amador County Sheriff's Office report.

Civil Air Patrol flight crews flew in from Concord, Sacramento, Auburn and Redding with additional aircraft from across the state on alert to assist, and mission management and operations staff working from locations the length of the state, the agency said.

They flew a route search, which meant they were flying the entire path that the plane was to have taken from Minden and Tracy, based upon radar data and other intelligence, according to the Civil Air Patrol.

The Civil Air Patrol said that by Thursday evening four of its planes had flown more than 20 hours on five sorties to find Brown's plane.

On Friday the Civil Air Patrol reported that the search area was expanded, with several of its search aircraft looking for the missing plane in the morning.

Finally, on Friday afternoon, the plane was found. “They found it within a mile of where they thought he was down,” Jeff Brown said.

While a body was discovered inside the plane, “They haven't told me whether it's my dad or not,” Jeff Brown said.

He said authorities must still positively identify the body. They will then conduct an investigation into the reasons for the crash.

Brown's friends in the Lake County community expressed their sadness at the crash on Friday.

Lake County Winegrape Commission Executive Director Shannon Gunier called Budge Brown “a great guy” who was generous in his involvement in the community.

Wilda Shock, a member of the Lake County Wine Alliance board, said Budge Brown was the honorary chair of the 2010 Lake County Wine Auction, presented last September at Ceago Vinegarden, neighboring property to his Tulip Hill Winery.

His philanthropy and his support of cancer research were honored during the annual charity event that benefits numerous Lake County nonprofit organizations, she said.

On Budge Brown's Facebook page, “Live to love life” was listed as his favorite quotation.

Jeff Brown said it's not really sunk in yet that his father is gone.

He said he and his father were really close.

“I'm really saddened by him not being here anymore,” he said.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews , on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .

Wild West Day

The 18th-annual Wild West Day, held in downtown Upper Lake on from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 4, is a Western-themed street festival and wearing costume is encouraged.

With Old West skits, a parade, pancake breakfast, tri-tip barbecue, wagon rides, and country music, Wild West Day is a family-friendly event and all ages can enter contests for best beard, bonnet, and costume.

Established in 1854, the town of Upper Lake once was a former stagecoach stop along the route from Sacramento to Mendocino and today features the restored Tallman Hotel, which is listed on the California Register of Historic Resources as a Point of Historical Interest, a re-created Blue Wing Saloon & Café next door, and a former livery that is now home to an antique plumbing business.

Also along Upper Lake’s Main Street, visitors will find a local wine tasting bar, antiques, and collectibles from all over the world, local crafts, and fine art from throughout Northern California, as well as household necessities, pet care items, gifts and home décor.

Wild West Day in Upper Lake is sponsored by the Upper Lake Community Council for community projects and the Northshore Fire Protection District. Admission is free. Call 707-275-2000 for more information.

Middletown Days

In the south county, June 17-19, Middletown Days – a tradition for 50 years – returns for three days of family fun and features a ranch rodeo, live music, craft and food booths, children’s activities and more.

Friday features a team roping event in the evening and Saturday begins with a parade at 10 a.m. and ends with a dance at 8:30 p.m. Sunday features the gymkhana.

Established in 1870, Middletown, midway between Lower Lake and Calistoga, is surrounded by outlying ranches, vineyards, and The Geysers, the largest geothermal energy source in the world.

Middletown balances Old West charm and forward-thinking businesses with a vision for a sustainable world, including Harbin Hot Springs, one of the oldest operating hot springs resorts in California, Hardester’s Market, Boar’s Breath Restaurant and more.

Middletown Days is held at Middletown Central Park, 15299 Central Park Road. Admission is free; small fee for dance on Saturday night. Team Roping on Friday begins at 5 p.m.; parade on Saturday begins at 10 a.m. and gymkhana at 9 a.m. on Sunday. Call 707-994-1954 for more information.

For information about guided trail rides, the 82nd-annual Lake County Rodeo on July 8 and 9, and other equestrian activities, contact the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743 or www.lakecounty.com.

For visitor information, contact the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743 or www.lakecounty.com.

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The Lower Lake Stone Jail in Lower Lake, Calif., was built in 1876. Photo courtesy of the Lake County Historical Society.

In commemoration of the 150^th anniversary of the founding of Lake County this year, Lake County News is publishing a series of historical stories about the county, its people and places. In this week's story, Camisha Knowlton describes a story from the Mauldin files about the Lower Lake Stone Jail.

The Lower Lake Stone Jail was built in 1876 and is known as the smallest jail in the United States.

It is located on the corner of Highway 29 and Main Street in Lower Lake.

One of Lower Lake’s first stone masons, Stephen Nicolai, built the jail from local materials with the help of John and Theodore Copsey.

The Copsey brothers, thrilled with the completion of the jail’s construction, celebrated in one of the local saloons and became rather rowdy. Hence, the brothers became the jail’s first occupants but didn’t remain so for long.

The Copseys realized that they had not yet fastened the wooden roof down and, being tall men, they were able to lift up the roof and escape.

There is some speculation as to whether John and Theodore got themselves arrested for the sole purpose of being the jail’s first occupants. It would make sense since only they knew that if they were put in jail, they would not have to remain there.

One may wonder why a jail was needed for such a small town. The population in Lower Lake was at 1,000 people and quicksilver mining was at its peak. The Sulphur Bank Mine began mining quicksilver in 1874, and as there were jobs available, more people were drawn to Lake County.

The combination of steady income, liquor and disagreements made this one of the wildest times for Lake County.

As the population continued to grow, crime rose with it. There became an urgent need for civil order, so plans to build the jail began to unfold.

The Lower Lake Stone Jail, although small, has seen quite a bit of action in its time.

Chinese workers at the mines usually smoked opium in moderation. One incident is recorded where moderation went out the window and five Chinese men, extremely high on opium, were thrown into the Lower Lake Stone Jail all at one time.

There was never a guard or watchman for the jail, even when there were occupants. The jail also was without a sanitary facility of any kind and food and water were only provided when absolutely necessary.

After some time, the little jail was closed. For years after it served the county as a gasoline storehouse.

In later years, some townspeople wanted to get rid of it entirely. The Civic Club, Luncheon Club and Native Sons of the Golden West came to the rescue and saved the little building.

It became a California Historic landmark on Oct. 2, 1962.

For more information about the Lake County Sesquicentennial, visit www.lc150.org, join the celebration at https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Lake-County-Sesquicentennial/171845856177015 and follow it on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCo150 .

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Sandra Jean Burnett, 57, was booked into the Lake County Jail late Thursday night on felony charges of driving under the influence causing bodily injury and being under the influence of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm, and misdemeanor charges of driving on a license suspended for DUI, an addict driving a vehicle and a misdemeanor probation violation, according to her booking sheet.

An initial collision report completed by California Highway Patrol Officer Nick Powell said that the crash between Burnett's 2000 Chevy Prizm and the 1994 Thomas Type 1 School Bus occurred at 2:40 p.m. Thursday on Kelsey Creek Drive south of Wight Way.

Powell's report said that Burnett was driving northbound on Kelsey Creek Drive at an unknown speed while the school bus, driven by 39-year-old Shawn Dale Rogers was driving southbound, also at an unknown rate of speed.

Burnett allegedly allowed her vehicle to drive into the school bus' path. Rogers slowed and took evasive actions but was unable to avoid hitting the Prizm head-on, according to Powell.

The crash caused major damage to the Prizm and moderate damage to the bus, Powell said.

Powell said four of the 25 grade school age children on the bus complained of pain but were not transported to the hospital.

Rogers was uninjured, while Burnett reportedly suffered minor injuries, with abrasions to her left elbow and left hand, Powell reported.

Burnett was allegedly under the influence of prescription medication and subsequently arrested, Powell said.

During interviews on Thursday with Lake County News, Kelseyville Unified School District officials had credited Rogers for his response to the situation, as well as other school transportation staff who helped respond.

The bus in question is to remain out of service until fully repaired, but all bus routes were covered on Friday, according to Kyle Reams, the district's director of maintenance and transportation.

Burnett's bail was set at $150,000 on the charge of DUI causing great bodily injury, but the alleged probation violation resulted in a no-bail hold, according to jail records.

As a result, jail records showed that Burnett remained in custody on Friday.

Her booking document indicated that she is to appear in Lake County Superior Court for arraignment on Monday, May 23.

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Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) introduced SB 932 in February.

On May 10, the bill passed the Senate Environmental Quality Committee.

According to the Legislative Counsel's Digest, the bill would require cell phone retailers to prominently display – in their stores, on Web sites and on cell phone packaging – the radiofrequency energy emitted by the phones.

Because cell phones emit a form of radiation called radiofrequency energy, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established maximum exposure limits in order to prevent any possible health effects from this energy source, Leno's office reported.

Currently, information on the computer-modeled estimate of radiation released by each cell phone – a value known as the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) – is found in fine print in packaging.

“Buried somewhere around page 80 of your cell phone manual is a notice that tells you your phone emits radiofrequency energy and that holding it directly against your body could lead to exposure levels exceeding federal limits,” said Leno. “These advisories are clearly important and need to be posted where consumers can read them without the help of a magnifying glass.”

“The cell phone industry seems to be afraid that consumers might actually read their manuals and become informed about the proper way to use their phones,” said Renee Sharp, California director of the Environmental Working Group, which supports the bill. “We’re glad to see that, at least so far, the California Legislature doesn’t agree with them.”

Some members of the wireless industry have reportedly argued that the requirements would violate their free speech right.

However, Devra Davis, PhD, MPH, and president of the Environmental Health Trust, said major tech-savvy governments around the world, including Israel and France, are requiring that the SAR be posted on cell phones.

“They are also requiring that people be given simple information about reducing directed-microwave radiation from cell phones to their brains and bodies, and taking special precautions with children,” Davis said. “Evidence that cell phone radiation can have biological impacts has grown over the past two decades; this is why so many nations have issued precautionary advice, along with major cancer centers such as MD Anderson and the University of Pittsburgh.”

On May 17, the bill was read and amended for a second time, and ordered to a third reading, according to legislative records.

The bill now would require the following warning: “This device emits radiofrequency energy. Consult the user's manual for additional information on safe use.”

Removed from the required language was this warning: “Do not hold or carry it directly against the body when connected to a network or you may be exposed to levels greater than the safety limit established by the Federal Communications Commission.”

SB 932 will next be heard on the Senate floor.

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Thermal infrared images of Saturn from the Very Large Telescope Imager and Spectrometer for the mid-Infrared (VISIR) instrument on the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, on Cerro Paranal, Chile, appear at center and on the right. An amateur visible-light image from Trevor Barry, of Broken Hill, Australia, appears on the left. The images were obtained on Jan. 19, 2011.

NASA's Cassini spacecraft and a European Southern Observatory ground-based telescope are tracking the growth of a giant early-spring storm in Saturn's northern hemisphere so powerful that it stretches around the entire planet.

The rare storm has been wreaking havoc for months and shooting plumes of gas high into the planet's atmosphere.

“Nothing on Earth comes close to this powerful storm,” said Leigh Fletcher, a Cassini team scientist at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, and lead author of a study that appeared in this week's edition of Science Magazine.

“A storm like this is rare,” said Fletcher. “This is only the sixth one to be recorded since 1876, and the last was way back in 1990.”

Cassini's radio and plasma wave science instrument first detected the large disturbance in December 2010, and amateur astronomers have been watching it ever since through backyard telescopes.

As it rapidly expanded, the storm's core developed into a giant, powerful thunderstorm, producing a 3,000-mile-wide (5,000-kilometer-wide) dark vortex possibly similar to Jupiter's Great Red Spot.

This is the first major storm on Saturn observed by an orbiting spacecraft and studied at thermal infrared wavelengths.

Infrared observations are key because heat tells researchers a great deal about conditions inside the storm, including temperatures, winds, and atmospheric composition.

Temperature data were provided by the Very Large Telescope (VLT) on Cerro Paranal in Chile and Cassini's composite infrared spectrometer (CIRS), operated by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

“Our new observations show that the storm had a major effect on the atmosphere, transporting energy and material over great distances – creating meandering jet streams and forming giant vortices – and disrupting Saturn's seasonal [weather patterns],” said Glenn Orton, a paper coauthor, based at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.

This false-color infrared image shows clouds of large ammonia ice particles dredged up by the powerful storm. Credit: Cassini.

The violence of the storm – the strongest disturbances ever detected in Saturn's stratosphere – took researchers by surprise. What started as an ordinary disturbance deep in Saturn's atmosphere punched through the planet's serene cloud cover to roil the high layer known as the stratosphere.

“On Earth, the lower stratosphere is where commercial airplanes generally fly to avoid storms which can cause turbulence,” said Brigette Hesman, a scientist at the University of Maryland in College Park who works on the CIRS team at Goddard and is the second author on the paper. “If you were flying in an airplane on Saturn, this storm would reach so high up, it would probably be impossible to avoid it.”

A separate analysis using Cassini's visual and infrared mapping spectrometer, led by Kevin Baines of JPL, confirmed the storm is very violent, dredging up deep material in volumes several times larger than previous storms. Other Cassini scientists are studying the evolving storm and, they say, a more extensive picture will emerge soon.

The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency.

The mission is managed by JPL for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington.

The European Southern Observatory in Garching, Germany operates the VLT in Chile. JPL is a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.

Stay tuned to Science@NASA for updates.

Dr. Tony Phillips works for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

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A 79-year-old man, whose name was not immediately available, reportedly fell asleep at the wheel of his 2009 Ford Focus while driving eastbound along Highway 20 just west of Pepperwood Cove, according to reports from the scene.

The vehicle went off the highway and into the lake and was partially submerged, with the man trapped.

A passing motorist, Amy Goszulak-Zingone, dove into the water and pulled the man from the sinking car, according to an account she shared on the Lake County News Facebook page.

She reported that the man was shaken up but OK.

When dubbed a hero by other readers on the Facebook page, she said, “I don't feel like a hero. I didn't have time to think about anything; I was on auto pilot! I'm just glad he is okay!”

She said the man asked her how he could ever repay her for saving his life. “I told him if he wanted to repay me, he needs to pay it forward. Help someone else who needs it, just like I did,” she said.

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