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The full Moon has a reputation for trouble. It raises high tides, it makes dogs howl, it wakes you up in the middle of the night with beams of moonlight stealing through drapes.
If a moonbeam wakes you up on the night of Saturday, May 5, you might want to get out of bed and take a look.
This May’s full Moon is a “super Moon,” as much as 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than other full Moons of 2012.
The scientific term for the phenomenon is “perigee moon.” Full Moons vary in size because of the oval shape of the Moon's orbit.
The Moon follows an elliptical path around Earth with one side ("perigee") about 50,000 kilometers closer than the other ("apogee"). Full Moons that occur on the perigee side of the Moon's orbit seem extra big and bright.
Such is the case on May 5 at 11:34 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time when the Moon reaches perigee.
Only one minute later, the Moon will line up with Earth and the sun to become brilliantly full. The timing is almost perfect.
Okay, the Moon is 14 percent bigger than usual, but can you really tell the difference?
It's tricky. There are no rulers floating in the sky to measure lunar diameters. Hanging high overhead with no reference points to provide a sense of scale, one full Moon can seem much like any other. The best time to look is when the Moon is near the horizon.
For reasons not fully understood by astronomers or psychologists, low-hanging Moons look unnaturally large when they beam through trees, buildings and other foreground objects.
On May 5, this Moon illusion will amplify a full Moon that's extra-big to begin with. The swollen orb rising in the east at sunset should seem super indeed.
Folklore holds that all kinds of wacky things happen under the light of a full Moon.
Supposedly, hospital admissions increase, the crime rate ticks upward, and people behave strangely. The idea that the full Moon causes mental disorders was widespread in the Middle Ages. Even the word "lunacy," meaning "insanity," comes from the Latin word for "Moon."
The majority of modern studies, however, show no correlation between the phase of the Moon and the incidence of crime, sickness or human behavior. The truth is, the Moon is less influential than folklore would have us believe.
It's true that a perigee full Moon brings with it extra-high "perigean tides," but according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration this is nothing to worry about.
In most places, lunar gravity at perigee pulls tide waters only a few centimeters (an inch or so) higher than usual. Local geography can amplify the effect to about 15 centimeters (six inches) – not exactly a great flood.
Super perigee Moons are actually fairly common. The Moon becomes full within a few hours of its closest approach to Earth about once a year on average.
The last such coincidence occurred on March 19, 2011, producing a full Moon that was almost 400 kilometers closer than this one. As usual, no trouble was reported – unless you count a midnight awakening as trouble.
If so, close the drapes on May 5. Otherwise, enjoy the super-moonlight.
Dr. Tony Phillips works for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
SACRAMENTO – The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) on Thursday released results of the first-ever survey of California motorists and motorcycle riders on the subject of “lane splitting,” where motorcycles travel between two lanes with other vehicles traveling the same direction.
At the same time, OTS and the California Highway Patrol announced that they are joining with other federal, state and local traffic safety, law enforcement, and motorcycle organizations in proclaiming May as “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.”
After more than a decade of steady increases, motorcycle fatalities in California began a decline in 2009.
Lane splitting has been a subject for controversy and confusion for years.
The OTS survey showed that only 53 percent of vehicle drivers knew that lane splitting is legal in California.
Eighty-seven percent of motorcycle riders say they lane split, while seven percent of vehicle drivers admit to having attempted to prevent it.
The key to legal lane splitting for motorcycle riders is doing so in a safe and prudent manner, being cognizant of overall traffic speeds, speed differences, spacing and lane changing patterns of surrounding traffic.
Riding too fast is one of the most common things that motorcyclists do to make lane splitting unsafe.
Motorists and other road users are reminded to safely “share the road” with motorcycles during May, and throughout the year, and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe.
Changing the driving habits of motorists and motorcyclists alike will help decrease the numbers of motorcyclists killed and injured in crashes.
Motorcyclists are reminded to make sure that they are visible to motorists, and that they follow the rules of the road.
All road users are reminded to never drive, ride, walk or bicycle while distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“As the weather improves, more and more motorcyclists are enjoying California’s roads,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). “And with that in mind, pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers of all vehicles, including SUVs, passenger cars and trucks, need to be extra attentive and make sure they ‘share the road.’ A motorcycle is one of the smallest vehicles on our roads, often hidden in a car or truck’s blind spot. Every driver needs to aggressively look for them before changing lanes or merging with traffic.”
Those traveling the state’s highways will notice the electronic Caltrans signs with the “SHARE THE ROAD. LOOK TWICE FOR MOTORCYCLISTS” message.
Motorists and bicyclists should perform visual checks for motorcyclists by checking mirrors and blind spots before they enter or exit a lane of traffic, and at intersections.
Pedestrians should also get into the habit of scanning for motorcyclists who might be hidden by other traffic.
Motorcycle riders should select lane position to better see the road ahead and to be more visible to other vehicles.
The latest survey results will be incorporated into the California Strategic Highway Safety Plan to help develop additional strategies to reduce motorcycle fatalities and injuries. A motorcyclist is more vulnerable than a passenger vehicle occupant in the event of a crash.
Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 39 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in traffic crashes.
Remember, a motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle.
OTS and CHP offer the following tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways.
- Perform a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic, and at intersections.
- Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
- Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
- Allow more following distance – three or four seconds – when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
- Never tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
- Never drive while distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Motorcyclists can increase their safety by:
- Avoiding riding in poor weather conditions;
- Wearing brightly colored protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet;
- Using turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if the rider thinks no one will see it;
- Combining hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to themselves;
- Using reflective tape and stickers to increase conspicuity;
- Positioning themselves in the lane where they will be most visible to other drivers; and
- Never driving while impaired.
The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: share in the responsibility of keeping all road users safe, and do your part by safely “sharing the road.”
UKIAH, Calif. – Mendocino College has a new interim college president/superintendent.
On Wednesday, May 2, the Mendocino-Lake Community College District Board of Trustees officially approved a contract for Dr. Roe Darnell to become interim superintendent/president.
Darnell succeeds Superintendent/President Kathy Lehner, who is leaving to take over the leadership of the College of the Redwoods in Eureka. Lehner was the sixth president at the college.
Darnell will serve in his interim position at Mendocino College until February 2013.
The board also approved a process for hiring a permanent superintendent/president at the May 2 meeting.
Before approving Darnell, the board recognized Lehner’s accomplishments during her six years as superintendent/president with a resolution highlighting her accomplishments.
The resolution mentions, among other achievements, her leadership in passing Measure W, which is allowing the college to build permanent facilities in Lakeport and Willits as well as a Library/Learning Center on the Ukiah Campus; her “outreach to the community and community relations”; her talent at “developing a unified team as well as building trust”; and her focus on student success during difficult budget times. Lehner was also praised for making the college a statewide leader in the accreditation process and positioning the institution as well-respected at the state level.
Dr. Darnell earned an Ed.D. from the University of La Verne, a master's degree in history from Pepperdine University and a bachelor's degree in history from Oklahoma Christian College.
He also has completed additional graduate courses at the University of Southern California in Higher Education Curriculum and Administration.
Most recently, Dr. Darnell was employed by the Yosemite Community College District. He retired in 2010 after serving as chancellor for three years.
Previously he was the superintendent/president for West Kern Community College District (2001-07) and President at Cerro Coso Community College (four years) where he also served as vice-president of instruction (14 years) and associate dean of instruction (four years).
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Congressman Mike Thompson hosted local veterans leaders and Department of Veterans Affairs officials at a Monday roundtable in an effort to find out how the agency can be improved to better serve its veteran clients, including the thousands of veterans who reside in Lake County.
The meeting took place on the same day that Thompson’s office announced that he had secured commitments from the VA that it will make improvements at the VA Oakland Regional Office, one of the slowest regional offices in the nation for claims processing.
The Monday afternoon roundtable at the Lake County Courthouse in Lakeport featured representatives from veterans’ organizations around the lake – Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, United Veterans Council and the Military Funeral Honors Team – as well as Lake County Veterans Service Office staff, county Supervisor Jim Comstock, staff from the VA Clinic in Clearlake and the Employment Development Department.
Making the trip to meet with the vets and local leaders were Lawrence Carroll, director of the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and VA Oakland Regional Office Director Douglas Bragg.
“I can't tell you how important this is to the community,” said Thompson, who along with the VA officials had held a similar roundtable with veterans in Sonoma County earlier in the day.
Approximately 11 percent of Lake County’s total population – or 7,293 people – are veterans, according to Thompson’s office.
“Generally a veteran doesn't call my office until they're at their wits' end,” said Thompson.
The VA has a large number of claims pending nationwide, “and the numbers reflect even worse in our area,” Thompson said.
However, at a meeting he and Congressman Wally Herger had with VA officials last month, he said the VA came forward with what he believed was a good proposal – including training for staff – to address that claims backlog.
“They’re making some very substantial efforts to clean that backlog up,” he said.
Carroll, who like Bragg is a veteran, told the vets they would try to get them answers to their issues.
He said they work for a big bureaucracy. While that’s not an excuse, it helps to understand their challenges.
Carroll said they were going through some transformational changes, and as a result sometimes it looks like things are getting worse.
He also shared with the group that a family member of his, a three-tour Vietnam veteran, had fought for years to get health services through the VA, which did not believe the man had served in Vietnam.
Bragg, a 36-year federal employee, arrived in Oakland six months ago, and said he is there to fix the problems.
Thompson told the vets Monday that the training that VA staff is scheduled to be given is meant to make the Oakland Regional Office more responsive and help them catch up on claims processing.
“I want everyone to know we're here as allies, not adversaries,” Thompson said.
Bragg said the VA is going to train more people in more skills, which will give them flexibility.
“We are going to get better,” he said.
Addressing a larger problem
Thompson, a Vietnam veteran, said he and Congressman Wally Herger met in Washington, DC last month with VA Under Secretary for Benefits Brigadier General Allison A. Hickey to discuss the VA’s claims processing issues, which the agency said has resulted from workload and performance issues.
Hickey oversees all nonmedical benefits and services provided to veterans and their families, including all operations at the VA Oakland Regional Office.
Oakland has 30,765 pending disability claims, according to the VA. On average, the wait time on these claims is more than 263 days, 50 days longer than the national average. Of those disability claims, more than 9,200 have been pending for more than a year.
On Monday Thompson shared a copy of a letter from Hickey, who outlined the elements of a plan to improve services delivery that began at the Oakland Regional Office on March 27.
“Our goal is to achieve significant improvements in the quality and timeliness of claims processing,” Hickey wrote. “We have also made it a priority to enhance our communications with congressional stakeholders.”
The performance improvement plan will include “Challenge” training for the entire regional office in June to improve employee skill levels and decision quality, as well as technical, team, supervisory and communications training. It’s the first effort to retrain an entire regional office, according to Hickey.
The VA also is shifting 27 employees to the Rating Veterans Service Representative position and four employees to the Decision Review Officer position to increase the number of employees assigned to its congressional liaison staff in order to improve service and responsiveness to congressional inquiries, Hickey reported.
A new Simplified Notification Letter process (SNL) is being recently implemented at the Oakland Regional Office as part of the Veterans Benefits Administration’s Transformation plan, and the office also is establishing a Quality Review Team to eliminate errors at the earliest possible stage of the claims process, according to Hickey.
In order to reduce its pending claims inventory, Hickey said the Oakland Regional Office is receiving brokering assistance from other VA regional offices in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Muskogee, Oklahoma, an effort that began in March.
Hickey said Bragg, the new Oakland Regional Office director, also will engage in face-to-face discussions with each of the 21 Northern California congressional district offices over the coming months.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Need a fun friend for your home or office?
If so, meet “Chloe,” a 9-month-old gray tabby.
She is playful – she especially likes to play with pens and pencils, and other office supplies – and also likes to hang out.
Chloe has green eyes and a short coat, and she has been spayed.
If you would like to meet her, you can find her in cat room kennel No. 63, ID No. 32327.
To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .
Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .
For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – When it comes to traffic safety, some actions bear repeating.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds all motorists to safely share the road and look twice for motorcyclists.
California is home to more than one million licensed motorcycle riders and an environment that lends itself to near perfect riding conditions year round.
For this reason, it is important that every motorist remain vigilant while traveling on the state’s roadways.
“Whether a driver is at an intersection or changing lanes, they should always keep an eye out for motorcyclists. Because motorcycles have a much smaller profile than other vehicles, it can be difficult for drivers to judge the distance and speed of an approaching motorcycle,” said Commissioner Joe Farrow.
In 2010, the most recent year for which data is available from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, 361 people died in California and nearly 11,000 others were injured as a result of a crash involving a motorcycle.
“In addition to outfitting themselves with the necessary safety equipment and riding gear, it is highly recommended that motorcyclists seek proper and professional training before beginning to ride,” added Commissioner Farrow.
Administered by the CHP, the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) offers the Basic RiderCourse for beginning motorcyclists and Basic RiderCourses 2 for riders who are interested in improving their skills.
The CMSP expects to train 65,000 motorcyclists this year and operates more than 120 training sites throughout California. Course information and locations may be found at http://www.ca-msp.org/ .
Helping the CHP spread the word about motorcycle safety awareness throughout the month of May, the California Department of Transportation will display an important message statewide on their changeable message signs: “Share the Road, Look Twice for Motorcyclists.”