Gas price average hits $4 What was seemingly inevitable has finally happened. The average price of gasoline has broken the $4 mark in San Francisco, according to AAA of Northern California, which tracks fuel prices as a service to consumers.
The statewide average price for a gallon of unleaded is $3.91, but even that price is 52 cents higher than a year ago. In addition to San Francisco's record-setting average, both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo have also earned the dubious distinction of holding $4 averages for unleaded gas.
"Motorists have been unhappily preparing for the day when the average price in San Francisco would break the $4 mark," said AAA of Northern California spokesperson Michael Geeser. "Now that it's here, the next question is how high will it go?"
The planned maintenance period for California refineries in which gasoline is reformulated for the warmer summer months ahead is now complete. However, there are still refineries coming back on line, which has had an effect on the amount of supply throughout the state, according to the California Energy Commission.
Officially, the average price in San Francisco reached the $4 mark on April 26. It remained there through the weekend.
"While gas prices may drop a penny or two between now and Memorial Day, real relief for consumers most likely won't be realized until the end of summer," Geeser added.
One way consumers can reduce the amount of money they spend on fuel is to shop aggressively for the lowest price.
AAA of Northern California has a tool that can help. Located online at www.aaa.com/gasprices, the AAA Fuel Finder has real time information on gas prices at more than 85,000 gas stations throughout the United States.
Hospital launches resource center Saint Louise Regional Hospital will launch the new Health Benefits Resource Center and embark on a week-long campaign to spread the word about health insurance options for everyone - insured, underinsured and uninsured.
"We serve everyone who enters our doors, regardless of their ability to pay, in that same caring, compassionate way," said Joanne Allen, president and CEO. "It is our service to the poor that extends beyond our walls, into the community, and even into the legislature to provide advocacy for the poor." The Center will help improve access to healthcare and human services for the diverse residents of South Santa Clara and San Benito counties.
As part of the national "Cover the Uninsured" week campaign, Saint Louise will be providing information on low cost or no cost insurance options, in English and Spanish, at a health fair at Arteagas Super Save Market from 1 to 4 p.m. May 3. Information is also available at Saint Louise and South County Housing.
County to stop buying single serving water bottles Santa Clara County will no longer use public funds to buy single servings of bottled water, but will allow the county cafeteria and vending machines to sell them.
County supervisors have voted unanimously for the policy change, saying water bottles are a strain on landfills while county tap water is perfectly potable. San Jose is also considering a ban on purchasing individual bottles of water for city events.
The supervisors voted to continue allowing county officials to spend tax money on large multi-use water bottles, and to try to install water fountains as new county facilities are built.
Morgan Hill Staff Got a question or a comment? Send us an email.
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