Caltrans, which manages two of the nation’s busiest passenger rail lines, is asking its rapidly growing passenger base what they think about rail systems in the Golden State.

The department is hosting a series of public open houses and a statewide Webinar this month to solicit input on the draft California State Rail Plan (CSRP), which will lay out a vision for freight, passenger and high-speed rail in the state.

The draft plan is available on the Internet, http://californiastaterailplan.com/ , and comments can be submitted through March 11.  

“Each year, nearly six million passengers ride the trains in California,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “It’s important that we find out what our citizens have to say about rail, because their input will help us build a truly connected California.”

Ridership on California trains is up 56 percent since 2002, and California has about 18 percent of all Amtrak riders.

“The authority looks forward in working with Caltrans and our local partners to implement a statewide rail modernization plan that invests in urban, commuter, intercity, and high-speed rail lines to meet the state’s 21st century transportation needs,” said Jeff Morales, chief executive officer of California High-Speed Rail Authority.

The remaining meetings are to be held in San Diego on Feb. 19, Los Angeles on Feb. 20 and Feb. 21.

North Coast residents can participate in the online Webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Log on to https://aecom.webex.com/aecom/onstage/g.php?d=597054493&;t=a, , password RailPlan1.

The final plan – scheduled to be issued this summer – will fully integrate California’s future high-speed rail system with existing and proposed conventional rail systems.

The plan will serve as a basis for federal and state investments for high-speed and intercity passenger rail in California and will also describe the existing conditions of the state’s rail systems and the economic and environmental benefits of improvements.

LUCERNE, Calif. – The Lucerne FLOW Community Garden Group will meet on Saturday, March 2, at 11 a.m.

The group meets at its garden on the lake side of Highway 20, between 13th and 14th avenues.

All interested persons are invited to attend.

The community garden rents 3-foot by 10-foot garden boxes to persons interested in organic gardening for $25 per year. Water is provided from the lake.

For more information call Rob Patton at 707-318-8983.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – This week Lake County Public Works crews will be performing geotechnical work on several local bridges.

In the Upper Lake area, Witter Springs Road will be closed at Cooper Creek Bridge starting Tuesday, Feb. 19, for geotechnical work.

The hours of work will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and may continue into Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 8 a.m. to noon. Signs will be in place to alert the traveling public and detours are available around the closure.

Also in Upper Lake, work began on Monday, Feb. 18, on First Street, which is closed at Clover Creek Bridge for geotechnical work. Work hours Monday are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with work possibly continuing from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Feb. 19. Signs will be in place and a detour will be available.

In the Lower Lake area, the agency said Clayton Creek Road at Clayton Creek Bridge will be subject to single-lane, controlled traffic beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 20, for geotechnical work.

Work hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday. If work continues there on Thursday, Feb. 21, work hours will be 8 a.m. to noon.

The Public Works Department also reported that Holdenried Road at Hill Creek is closed to all traffic due to bridge closure. Please use alternative routes.

For more information call the Lake County Public Works Department, 707-263-2341.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Lake County Rockhounds' next meeting and program will be Wednesday, March 6.

The group will meet beginning at 6 p.m. at the Redbud Library, 14785 Burns Valley Road in Clearlake.  

Dr. Steve Pollaine will give a PowerPoint presentation about how the Earth might have been different if there was no moon.

Rocks collected from the group's last field trip also will be on display.   

Interested community members are invited to join. Annual dues are $15.

Contact J. Anderson for more information at 707-995-1189.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Patriots Around the Lake will meet on Monday, Feb. 18, to discuss Agenda 21.

The group will meet beginning at 6 p.m. at Sutton Associates, 290 N. Main St.

Bill Wink of Middletown will discuss Agenda 21, how it violates the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, and how it's at work in Lake County.

For more information call 707-489-4382.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Barbara White, Westside Zone archaeologist with the Mendocino National Forest, will give a PowerPoint presentation on the Drew Crossing Archeological Site located within traditional Yuki territory, on Saturday, March 2.

The presentation will begin at 2 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse Museum, 255 N. Main St., Lakeport.

This excavation, along with the washing and cataloging work, was completed in 2004 with the help of forest service personnel, students from Chico State University and volunteers working under the Passport in Time program.

White will be joined by Yuki tribal members who will share their thoughts on the project, and there will be time for questions from the audience.

Plan on attending this interesting lecture and viewing the Drew Crossing Site display currently on loan to the museum.  

Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

Please call the museum at 707-263-4555 for more information.