Caltrans is beginning work on the next California State Rail Plan, which will provide the framework for California’s rail network and set the stage for new and improved rail and community connections in the state for the next 20 years.

Caltrans is seeking early and meaningful public participation throughout the formulation of the plan, with several options available for providing input and feedback.

“To meet the challenges that come with a growing California, this Rail Plan will be part of defining a more sustainable transportation system for the future,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “Improvements and expansion of California’s rail system will have a positive effect on the future mobility, environmental health and economic vitality of this state.”

Caltrans is proactively seeking public input early during the planning process to understand the public’s priorities for improvements to passenger and freight rail networks.

A public survey will be available on the new California State Rail Plan Web site – www.californiastaterailplan.com – through Friday, March 4.

The online survey can also be accessed directly at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2018railplan .

The Rail Plan, to be completed in 2018, will be used as a planning tool for improving the overall state rail system.

It will provide a long-term strategy that will enable Caltrans, the California High-Speed Rail Authority, intercity and commuter rail operators, freight railroads and communities to plan for the future.

The plan is intended to prioritize state funding and actions for integrating the statewide rail network.

The 2018 Rail Plan is considered more ambitious than previous statewide rail plans, as it will build on regional plans and provide a statewide vision for an integrated high speed, intercity and commuter passenger rail system with reliable, timed connections and more transportation options.

The Rail Plan also will define the state’s priorities for investments in freight rail infrastructure that support the California economy and meet greenhouse gas emissions reduction mandates.

For the latest project information, visit www.californiastaterailplan.com or join the plan email list to receive future notifications and updates.

Comments also can be provided directly through the Web site’s online comment form.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Friends of the Middletown Library group will hold a mini book sale on Saturday, Feb. 27.

The sale will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the hallway at the Middletown Library, 21256 Washington St.

Books for sale include will include best sellers, children’s, mysteries, spy intrigue, romance, cookbooks, self help, reference, audio tapes and CDs – and some surprise offerings.

Prices range from $0.50 for paperbacks to $1 for hardcovers, and special prices on collectors' books.

All proceeds are for the purchase of new books and supplies for the library.

Show your support of the local library by visiting the Feb. 27 sale.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The 14th annual Kelseyville Father-Daughter Dance will be held on Saturday. Feb. 20, at Kelseyville Presbyterian Church.

There will be two dance sessions.

The early dance will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with photos to start at 4:30 p.m.

The late dance follows from 8 to 10 p.m., with photos beginning at 7:30 p.m.

This fun family event is suitable for girls ages 3 to 18. Acceptable chaperones include fathers, grandfathers, older brothers, uncles and positive role models.

The cost is $25 per couple, with $5 for each additional dollar.

The ticket cost includes dancing, a red carnation for each girl, snacks and prizes, and a 5-inch by 7-inch photo.

There is a 75-ticket limit, so organizers urge people to consider purchasing tickets in advance.

Tickets are available at The Scoop ice cream parlor at 3988 Main St. in Kelseyville and Flowers by Jackie at 108 S. Main St. in Lakeport.

For more information or to order by phone call Sandy at 707-279-4415.

Kelseyville Presbyterian Church is located at 5340 Third St.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Law Library Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting on on Thursday, Feb. 18.

The board will meet at noon at the Law Library, 175 Third St. in Lakeport.

Agenda items include a moment of silence for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, approval of the Jan. 21 meeting minutes, the financial report ending Jan. 31, the law librarian's report, an update on additions to the library's collection, liability insurance and the 2016 board meeting schedule.

Board trustees include President Mike Ewing, Secretary Dennis Fordham, Judge Andrew S. Blum, Judge Michael S. Lunas, Shanda Harry and Mary Heare Amodio.

The Law Library Board's next meeting is March 17.

Visit the Law Library online at www.lakecountyca.gov/law .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The monthly meeting of the Lake County Green Party will be held on Sunday, Feb. 21.

The meeting takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. at Round Table Pizza, 821 11th St. in Lakeport.

The guest speaker will be Monica Rosenthal, candidate for the District 1 seat on the Board of Supervisors.

There will be no-host food and beverages.

The club will be collecting signatures for the Green Party County Council elections.

Meetings are open to all regardless of party affiliation.

For more information, or to request to be on an upcoming agenda, contact the Lake County Green Party at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-263-3391. The group also can be found on Facebook.

The state Green Party Web site is www.cagreens.org ; visit www.gpus.org for information on the national party.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Sons In Retirement organization has announced two travel outings during the first quarter.

Both outings are open to the general public.

One of the planned excursions is the snow train trip to Reno on March 30, 31 and April 1.

There are two options available. The first includes a bus from Clearlake, two nights at the Eldorado, a cocktail party, a short excursion to Virginia City (weather permitting) a dinner/show “Foot Loose,” a great musical at the Eldorado.

Those who choose may include Amtrak through the snowy Sierras from Sacramento to Reno (one-way). The package cost is $204 per person double occupancy.

The second option is to take the bus only round trip, with the cost being $158 per person double occupancy.

The other outing is a day at the races and includes bus only round trip to the Golden Gate Fields races on Thursday, Feb. 25.

Again, the bus leaves Clearlake about 9 a.m., arrives at the “track” about 11:30 a.m., with lunch upon arrival at the exclusive Turf Club where they dine buffet style on meat and fish entrées while watching the thoroughbreds race.

The trip is $59 per person and the view of both bridges is fantastic.

Call Bob at 707-279-0187 or Bill at 707-277-8846.