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- Written by: Mara Johnson-Groh
Operations teams have confirmed NASA’s mission to “touch” the Sun survived its record-breaking closest approach to the solar surface on Dec. 24, 2024.
Breaking its previous record by flying just 3.8 million miles above the surface of the Sun, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe hurtled through the solar atmosphere at a blazing 430,000 miles per hour — faster than any human-made object has ever moved. A beacon tone received late on Dec. 26 confirmed the spacecraft had made it through the encounter safely and is operating normally.
This pass, the first of more to come at this distance, allows the spacecraft to conduct unrivaled scientific measurements with the potential to change our understanding of the Sun.
"Flying this close to the Sun is a historic moment in humanity’s first mission to a star,” said Nicky Fox, who leads the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “By studying the Sun up close, we can better understand its impacts throughout our solar system, including on the technology we use daily on Earth and in space, as well as learn about the workings of stars across the universe to aid in our search for habitable worlds beyond our home planet.”
Parker Solar Probe has spent the last six years setting up for this moment. Launched in 2018, the spacecraft used seven flybys of Venus to gravitationally direct it ever closer to the Sun. With its last Venus flyby on Nov. 6, 2024, the spacecraft reached its optimal orbit. This oval-shaped orbit brings the spacecraft an ideal distance from the Sun every three months — close enough to study our Sun’s mysterious processes but not too close to become overwhelmed by the Sun’s heat and damaging radiation. The spacecraft will remain in this orbit for the remainder of its primary mission.
“Parker Solar Probe is braving one of the most extreme environments in space and exceeding all expectations,” said Nour Rawafi, the project scientist for Parker Solar Probe at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), which designed, built, and operates the spacecraft from its campus in Laurel, Maryland. “This mission is ushering a new golden era of space exploration, bringing us closer than ever to unlocking the Sun’s deepest and most enduring mysteries.”
Close to the Sun, the spacecraft relies on a carbon foam shield to protect it from the extreme heat in the upper solar atmosphere called the corona, which can exceed 1 million degrees Fahrenheit. The shield was designed to reach temperatures of 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt steel — while keeping the instruments behind it shaded at a comfortable room temperature. In the hot but low-density corona, the spacecraft’s shield is expected to warm to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
“It’s monumental to be able to get a spacecraft this close to the Sun,” said John Wirzburger, the Parker Solar Probe mission systems engineer at APL. “This is a challenge the space science community has wanted to tackle since 1958 and had spent decades advancing the technology to make it possible.”
By flying through the solar corona, Parker Solar Probe can take measurements that help scientists better understand how the region gets so hot, trace the origin of the solar wind (a constant flow of material escaping the Sun), and discover how energetic particles are accelerated to half the speed of light.
“The data is so important for the science community because it gives us another vantage point,” said Kelly Korreck, a program scientist at NASA Headquarters and heliophysicist who worked on one of the mission’s instruments. “By getting firsthand accounts of what’s happening in the solar atmosphere, Parker Solar Probe has revolutionized our understanding of the Sun.”
Previous passes have already aided scientists’ understanding of the Sun. When the spacecraft first passed into the solar atmosphere in 2021, it found the outer boundary of the corona is wrinkled with spikes and valleys, contrary to what was expected. Parker Solar Probe also pinpointed the origin of important zig-zag-shaped structures in the solar wind, called switchbacks, at the visible surface of the Sun — the photosphere.
Since that initial pass into the Sun, the spacecraft has been spending more time in the corona, where most of the critical physical processes occur.
“We now understand the solar wind and its acceleration away from the Sun,” said Adam Szabo, the Parker Solar Probe mission scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “This close approach will give us more data to understand how it’s accelerated closer in.”
Parker Solar Probe has also made discoveries across the inner solar system. Observations showed how giant solar explosions called coronal mass ejections vacuum up dust as they sweep across the solar system, and other observations revealed unexpected findings about solar energetic particles. Flybys of Venus have documented the planet’s natural radio emissions from its atmosphere, as well as the first complete image of its orbital dust ring.
So far, the spacecraft has only transmitted that it’s safe, but soon it will be in a location that will allow it to downlink the data it collected on this latest solar pass.
“The data that will come down from the spacecraft will be fresh information about a place that we, as humanity, have never been,” said Joe Westlake, the director of the Heliophysics Division at NASA Headquarters. “It’s an amazing accomplishment.”
The spacecraft’s next planned close solar passes come on March 22, 2025, and June 19, 2025.
Mara Johnson-Groh works for NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
In a brief report, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said that one of its deputies was involved in the shooting at 3 a.m.
The incident occurred in the 3600 block of Highway 20 in Nice, the sheriff’s office said.
“As a result, one subject was transported to a local hospital and is currently being treated for their injuries,” the sheriff’s office said.
Radio traffic regarding the incident indicated that Northshore Fire Protection District firefighters responded to the incident just after 3 a.m. and were seeking an air ambulance to transport the individual with the gunshot wound.
Dispatch told firefighters that no air ambulances were available due to weather.
The Lake County Critical Incident Protocol was activated, and a parallel investigation is being conducted by the Lake County District Attorney’s Office.
The District Attorney’s Office confirmed to Lake County News that its work on the matter is underway.
On Friday, the agency said its investigators were actively working on the investigation.
The sheriff’s office followed up on Friday evening by reporting that, per the Lake County Critical Incident Protocol, the deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave.
The subject who was shot was treated at a local hospital and transferred out of county for continued treatment, the sheriff’s office said in its followup report.
The sheriff’s office and DA’s Office both said more information will be released as it becomes available.
In the meantime, anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Sgt. Jeff Mora at
The last shooting involving a deputy that triggered the Lake County Critical Incident Protocol occurred in November 2023. In that case, a Lakeport man was fatally shot.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
Dear Friends,
As the 118th Congress comes to a close, here’s what my team and I have done…
Delivering for Constituents
Supporting Fourth District residents like you is the cornerstone of all that we do at Team Thompson. Since the start of this congress, my staff and I have worked with federal agencies to return $26,369,178.98 to residents of our district and helped 3,923 constituents receive assistance from the federal government.
My team and I have responded to over 277,000 letters, emails, and phone calls from community members, reached over 400 veterans and their families through town halls, and scheduled 3,184 White House and Capitol tours for constituents.
My team and I were pleased to introduce new ways to reach Team Thompson this year. Starting this summer, we launched regular office hours throughout our district to provide an easy way for community members to drop in and speak face-to-face with a member of my staff about any challenges or concerns they face. We look forward to hosting more office hours sessions in 2025.
If you or someone you know needs help with passports and visas, veterans benefits, IRS issues, agricultural issues, small business assistance, immigration, Medicare and Medicaid, or if you are facing any other problem navigating the federal government, my team is ready to help. Click here or call me at one of my offices to get started:
Napa: (707) 226-9898
Santa Rosa: (707) 542-7182
Woodland: (530) 753-3501
Washington: (202) 225-3311
Legislative Update
As we close out the 118th Congress, I’m proud to report that I secured $16,375,174 in federal funding for community projects across all five counties in our district. This congress, six of my bills were signed into law.
In 2025, I look forward to continuing my work to pass bipartisan, sensible legislation that will deliver for our district and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans.
I plan to introduce legislation next congress to increase access to health care by expanding telemedicine, provide funding to research the causes of mental health issues, take on the gun violence epidemic, support veterans, address the housing shortage, protect agricultural producers from the impact of natural disasters, protect our public lands, and address the climate crisis. Working across the aisle is the best way to get things done, and I will continue to work with anyone who will help get these priorities signed into law.
Delivering Long-Awaited Relief to Wildfire Victims
President Biden signing into law my bill delivering tax relief to wildfire victims was a highlight of the 118th Congress.
As many of you know too well, federally declared wildfires in 2015, 2017, and 2018 devastated entire communities across our district and across the state of California.
While the courts eventually created a path to compensation, victims were subjected to unfair taxes on their settlement money. That’s why I worked across the aisle to draft and pass legislation providing tax relief to victims of federally declared disasters who face taxes on settlement money. The relief applies retroactively to qualified victims.
While no fire victim can ever be made truly whole, this law will provide needed and deserved relief to thousands in our community and across our country.
A look ahead to 2025
My priorities going into the 119th Congress remain the same: delivering for our district and helping every American live a healthy and successful life. I am committed to working with anyone in Congress to advance the issues that matter to our district.
I am honored to represent California’s Fourth District in Congress and look forward to continuing to serve our community in 2025.
I wish you and your family a happy, peaceful, and prosperous new year.
Sincerely,
MIKE THOMPSON
Member of Congress
Thompson represents California’s Fourth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
Unless otherwise noted, the laws referenced below take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
Combating retail theft
Crimes: Organized Theft (SB 982, Wahab)
Senate Bill 982 makes the crime of organized retail theft permanent and strengthens measures to address retail crime. The bill eliminates the expiration date for specific provisions targeting organized retail theft, ensuring long-term tools for law enforcement to combat this issue.
Crimes: Fires (SB 1242, Min)
Senate Bill 1242 amends Penal Code Section 452 regarding the unlawful setting of fires. It updates penalties and legal language to clarify offenses, including circumstances involving organized retail theft.
Sentencing enhancements: Sale, exchange or return of stolen property
Senate Bill 1416 (Newman)
Senate Bill 1416 focuses on combating organized retail theft by increasing penalties for those involved in the resale of stolen goods, often referred to as “fencing.” The bill, until January 1, 2030, creates sentencing enhancements for individuals who sell, exchange, or return stolen property for value, particularly when the property exceeds specific thresholds. Punishment increases from one year to four years based on a property value scale ranging from $50,000 to over $3 million.
Theft: Jurisdiction (AB 1779, Irwin)
Assembly Bill 1779 addresses the issue of organized retail theft by streamlining the prosecution process. Specifically, it allows district attorneys to consolidate charges for theft offenses committed across multiple counties into a single trial, provided all affected county district attorneys agree.
Crimes: Organized Theft (AB 1802, Jones-Sawyer)
Assembly Bill 1802 ensures that the crime of organized retail theft remains permanently defined in state law and extends the CHP’s Property Crimes Task Force indefinitely. This bill eliminates the “sunset” clause that would have otherwise allowed the statute and the task force to expire.
Regional Property Crimes Task Force (AB 1972, Alanis)
Assembly Bill 1972 expands the scope of the CHP's Regional Property Crimes Task Force to include cargo theft as a property crime for consideration and requires the task force to provide logistical and law enforcement support for railroad police.
This bill emphasizes cargo theft as a specific priority and aims to strengthen resources for law enforcement agencies to combat these issues. As an urgency statute, AB 1972 went into effect immediately upon its passage in August 2024 to address these concerns promptly.
Crimes: Shoplifting (AB 2943, Zbur)
Assembly Bill 2943, also called the “California Retail Theft Reduction Act,” strengthens measures to combat organized retail theft by creating a specific crime for serial retail theft, allowing the aggregation of property value for thefts committed within 90 days to qualify as grand theft. It empowers law enforcement to make arrests using video evidence or sworn statements, shields businesses from lawsuits for reporting crimes and promotes rehabilitation through diversion programs for minor offenders. The bill aims to dismantle theft rings while balancing public safety and criminal justice reforms.
Crimes: Theft: Retail Theft Restraining Orders (AB 3209, Berman)
Assembly Bill 3209 creates a retail crime restraining order. A court may issue a restraining order when sentencing an individual for specific retail theft-related crimes, including vandalism of a retail store and assaulting a retail store employee. The restraining order prohibits the individual from entering or being on the grounds of the establishment and may include parking lots adjacent to and used by the establishment.
Emergency alert information sharing
Electronic Toll Collection Systems: Information Sharing: Law Enforcement (AB 2645, Lackey)
Assembly Bill 2645 allows transportation agencies operating electronic toll collection systems to share real-time license plate data with law enforcement during active emergency alerts, such as AMBER, Ebony, or Feather Alerts. This legislation eliminates the need for a search warrant in such situations, enabling quicker responses to locate suspect vehicles linked to emergencies, such as child abductions.
Tools to address reckless driving and sideshows
Vehicles: Speed Contests (AB 1978, Sanchez)
Assembly Bill 1978 permits storing a vehicle when an individual is arrested but not taken into custody for obstructing or placing a barricade on a highway or off-street parking facility for purposes of aiding a speed contest or exhibition of speed.
Vehicles: Impoundment (AB 2186, Wallis)
Assembly Bill 2186 permits the arrest and custody of individuals engaged in an exhibition of speed in an off-street parking facility. It also permits the impounding of the individual’s vehicle for not more than 30 days.
Vehicles: Sideshows and Street Takeovers (AB 2807, Villapudua)
Assembly Bill 2807 defines a “sideshow” and a “street takeover” as the same type of event.
Vehicles: Removal and Impoundment (AB 3085, Gipson)
Assembly Bill 3085 provides authority to seize and impound a vehicle with a warrant when the vehicle was used in violation of a speed contest or exhibition of speed (including aiding or abetting). This bill also permits electronic service of the notices of impoundment and storage hearings.
Electric bicycle safety
Electric Bicycles, Powered Mobility Devices and Storage (SB 1271, Min)
Beginning January 1, 2026, SB 1271 focuses on improving the safety standards for electric bicycles (e-bikes), powered mobility devices, and related lithium-ion batteries. It requires these devices and their components, such as batteries and charging systems, to be tested by accredited laboratories to meet specific safety standards. The bill also mandates labeling these products to show compliance with safety regulations, ensuring consumers are informed. Furthermore, it prohibits distributing, selling, or leasing e-bikes and related equipment unless they meet these standards, aiming to reduce risks like fire hazards and electrical malfunctions. Beginning January 1, 2028, the bill would prohibit a person from renting or offering for rental an electric bicycle, powered mobility device, charging system, or storage battery unless it has been tested to the specified safety standard.
Vehicles: Electric Bicycles (AB 1774, Gipson)
Assembly Bill 1774 prohibits modifying an electric bicycle’s speed capability to an extent it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle. Also, it prohibits selling a product or device that can modify the speed capability of an electric bicycle to an extent it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle.
Vehicles: Electric Bicycles (AB 1778, Connolly)
Assembly Bill 1778 authorizes a local authority within the County of Marin, or the County of Marin in unincorporated areas, to enact an ordinance or resolution prohibiting a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 2 electric bicycle or requiring a person operating a class 2 electric bicycle to wear a helmet.
Vehicles: Electric Bicycles (AB 2234, Boerner)
Assembly Bill 2234 establishes the San Diego Electric Bicycle Safety Program and authorizes a local authority within the County of San Diego, or the County of San Diego in unincorporated areas, to enact an ordinance or resolution prohibiting a person under 12 years of age from operating a class 1 or 2 electric bicycle.
Photo Enforced Speed Enforcement Pilot Program
The City of Malibu’s Speed Safety System Pilot Program (SB 1297, Allen)
Senate Bill 1297 establishes a five-year Speed Safety System Pilot Program in the City of Malibu. The bill defines a ‘speed safety system’ as a fixed or mobile radar or laser system, or any other electronic device that utilizes automated equipment, to detect a violation of speed laws and obtains a clear photograph of a speeding vehicle’s license plate. The bill establishes mandates regarding policy, enforcement, implementation, public notification, and a system evaluation report.
Clean air vehicle sticker extension
Vehicles: High-Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (AB 2678, Wallis)
Assembly Bill 2678 permits vehicles with a Clean Air Vehicle decal to drive in High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes until Jan. 1, 2027, if federal law permits.
Autonomous vehicles
Vehicle Equipment: Driver Monitoring Defeat Devices (SB 1313, Ashby)
Senate Bill 1313 prohibits using, possessing, or selling devices designed to interfere with driver monitoring systems in vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems or autonomous technology. These systems monitor driver alertness and help ensure safety when automated features are used. Violating this law is classified as an infraction. Exceptions are provided for manufacturers testing new technology, vehicle repairs, and updates compliant with safety standards or modifications for disability accommodations. This law aims to enhance road safety by preventing tampering with critical monitoring systems.
Autonomous Vehicles Interactions with First Responders and Traffic Violation Notices – AB 1777 (Ting)
Upon the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) adoption of necessary regulations, AB 1777 creates new authority for a law enforcement officer to issue a “notice of autonomous vehicle (AV) noncompliance” to an AV manufacturer for an alleged traffic violation committed by one of their vehicles. Beginning July 1, 2026, AB 1777 establishes additional requirements for how AVs that operate without a human operator in the vehicle interact with first responders, including a requirement for manufacturers to provide a two-way device in the vehicles to communicate with first responders.
Pedestrian safety around buses
Transit buses: Yield Right-of-Way Sign (AB 1904, Ward)
Assembly Bill 1904 authorizes a transit agency to equip a transit bus with a “yield” right-of-way sign on the left rear of the bus. The sign may be a static decal or a flashing light-emitting diode (LED).
License plate manipulation
License Plates: Obstruction or Alteration (AB 2111, Wallis)
Assembly Bill 2111 prohibits any alteration of a license plate’s reflective coating to avoid detection from any entity, not just law enforcement.
Property theft from a vehicle
Crimes: Theft from A Vehicle (SB 905, Wiener)
Senate Bill 905 creates the crime of Unlawful Entry of a Vehicle, which addresses unlawfully entering a vehicle with the intent to commit a theft or any felony. It also adds the crime of Automotive Property Theft for Resale, which addresses possessing stolen property obtained from a vehicle with the intent to sell or exchange the property for value. The property's value must be over $950.00 and not for personal use. The value of property can be combined within two years of separate acts.