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EMERYVILLE, Calif. – This Memorial Day holiday is expected to bring out the second highest number of travelers since 2005, and the highest increase since the recession of 2008, according to AAA’s latest holiday travel forecast.
AAA’s travel survey projects nearly 4.3 million Californians plan on traveling 50 miles or more this Memorial Day holiday weekend. This represents an increase of 1.8 percent from last year.
“Reports indicate a slow and steady economic upturn, boosting consumer confidence and spending,” said Pablo O’Brien, V.P. Travel Products, AAA Northern California. “Californians are hitting the roads and planning their getaways for the official summer travel kick-off.”
AAA projects that more than 3.5 million Californians will drive this upcoming holiday weekend, a 1.4 percent increase from last year.
Air travel will increase by 2.4 percent compared to 2013 figures, with just over 400,000 Californians intending to fly to their holiday getaways.
Approximately 294,000 state residents are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, such as rail, bus and watercraft. This represents an increase of 6.5 percent compared with 2013.
Nationally, AAA projects that over 36 million people will journey 50 miles or more during the Memorial Day weekend, representing a1.5 percent increase compared to last year.
The AAA Leisure Travel Index shows that hotel rates at AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to increase by 2.0 percent from a year ago, averaging $166 per night, compared to $166 last year.
Weekend car rentals rates will average $43 per day, 1 percent more than last year. Airfares are experiencing the biggest increase, with round-trip fares, for the top 40 U.S. routes, increasing six percent to $227 from $215 last year.
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As the busy holiday travel season rapidly approaches, state motorists are finally starting to see a dip in prices at the pump.
The average price of gas, which has been creeping up, has now dropped $0.06 cents in the last week.
This week the average price in the Golden State is $4.18, according to the AAA Northern California monthly gas survey.
Northern California’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $4.15, that’s $0.17 cents more than last month’s AAA report on April 8.
For perspective, California state average gas price is $0.14 higher on this date than it was a year ago.
“Even though today’s prices are higher than a month ago, all metro areas are experiencing a steady decline since last week, which is typical for this time of year, following refinery maintenance before the May 1 deadline to begin producing summer-blend fuel,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “Barring any unforeseen refinery maintenance issues that could push California gas prices up temporarily, state prices should continue to fall as we approach the Memorial Day holiday.”
The national average price per gallon today is $3.64 and has now fallen for 14 straight days, which is the longest streak since prices dropped 36 days in a row from Sept. 1-Oct. 7 of last year.
Another factor keeping downward pressure on prices through the summer is the country’s record high stockpile of gasoline.
Due to increased supplies and the relative absence of disruptions in production and distribution, drivers in many states are likely to see prices continue to fall.
Political tensions between in Russia and the Ukraine have kept oil prices elevated, and market analysts suggest it is unlikely that the tensions will ease in the near future.
At the close of formal trading on the NYMEX, WTI closed $0.60 higher at $100.59 per barrel. Today marks WTI’s first settlement above $100 after back-to-back settlements below this threshold. Including today’s settlement, WTI has now registered 45 settlements above $100 in 2014 and 45 settlements below.
The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Marysville where regular unleaded gasoline is $4.00 per gallon. Of all the metro areas tracked by AAA in Northern California, San Mateo has the high price at $4.26 per gallon of unleaded regular.
To get the best mileage possible, AAA recommends keeping tires at the proper pressure suggested by the vehicle manufacturer, performing routine maintenance and making sure fluids are clean and belts and hoses are in good repair. The way you drive can also impact fuel economy. Smooth driving to avoid sudden stops and starts, combining trips and lightening your load also helps conserve gasoline.
AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report is the most comprehensive retail gasoline survey available, with over 100,000 self-serve stations surveyed every day, nationwide. Data is provided in cooperation with OPIS Energy Group and Wright Express, LLC.
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International “#SauvBlanc Day” is coming this Friday, May 16.
It is an event that seeks to engage the wine industry and enthusiasts in sharing their affinity for the varietal.
Summertime in a Glass, an organization dedicated to promoting the grape through education, events and advocacy, is co-sponsoring the day-long happening.
Individuals and wine industry businesses are encouraged to use the hashtag “#SauvBlanc” on social media platforms in order to interact from wherever they are. Tasting events in various locations are also taking place on Friday.
The event was started by St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery as a way to engage a wide-ranging audience interested in Sauvignon Blanc.
The winery continues to sponsor and champion the event and has worked to expand its scope considerably.
“We first hatched the plan for #SauvBlanc Day five years ago and have been celebrating every year since. We love this varietal and find that our social media followers do too. #SauvBlanc Day is a fantastic way for us to connect with an entire online community of people, including both fans of the winery and our trade partners across the globe. It has been so much fun to see the event grow every year and to watch the conversation truly span the entire world,” said Emma Swain, chief executive officer of St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery.
With the addition of Summertime in a Glass as well as the New Zealand Winegrowers, also a co-sponsor, #SauvBlanc Day’s reach has grown significantly.
In addition to the social media campaign, several tasting events are taking place in various cities including San Francisco, Toronto, Hong Kong, and London.
Wineries and others in the industry are also being encouraged to put on their own local activities that promote Sauvignon Blanc to their audiences.
“The idea of #SauvBlanc Day is to connect fans of the grape everywhere,” said Bryan Dias, Executive Director of Summertime in a Glass. “That can mean enjoying a special flight at a winery or joining the social media conversation online by sharing thoughts and ideas about Sauvignon Blanc.”
For those interested in participating online, here are some ways to go about it. Tag posts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest with “#SauvBlanc.” The hashtag can also be searched and followed on those platforms as way to see what others are saying.
People are encouraged to share food pairing ideas, photos relevant to the varietal, favorite memories, and more.
Purchasing and enjoying a bottle or two of Sauvignon Blanc and posting photos of the experience, thoughts, and tasting notes is another great way to get involved.
For those in the industry, such as wineries, utilizing the hashtag on social media platforms is an excellent way to expose brands. Offering special tastings, promotions, or vineyard tours on-site is another way to get involved. Engaging guests to participate while they are in the tasting room is also an easy and fun way to get the conversation going at a place of business.
For more information visit www.SauvBlanc.org .
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SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada’s (D-Davis) “dining with dogs” legislation was approved May 8 by the State Assembly and now moves to the State Senate for further consideration.
Assembly Bill 1965 seeks to give restaurants the option to voluntarily allow pet dogs in their outdoor seating areas under specified conditions unless a local ordinance determines otherwise.
“Despite the best efforts of city and county public health departments to balance the desire of restaurant and dog owners with the need to preserve public health, state law currently preempts any effort they make to accommodate dogs on dining patios,” Yamada stated. “AB 1965 remedies this by allowing willing businesses to accommodate customers and their dogs while still providing local governments the option to determine if additional standards are necessary for their communities.”
AB 1965 would allow business owners to voluntarily make the decision that is best for their business without the threat of a citation or other penalty.
The bill does not mandate restaurants to provide this option, but simply makes the potential practice – which is already occurring throughout California – permissible unless prohibited by local ordinance.
“Social Compassion in Legislation is thrilled that with overwhelming bipartisan support the State Assembly understands the need to modernize this outdated law.” said Judie Mancuso, president of the statewide animal welfare group. “Many restaurants choose to take their chances and allow dogs on their patios, but it remains illegal. We want to support these businesses and elevate the standards for our beloved canines.”
Assemblymember Yamada represents the 4th Assembly District which includes all or parts of Colusa, Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.