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- Written by: Editor
EMERYVILLE, Calif. – The Golden State’s gas prices have remained relatively steady since the beginning of 2014, give or take a few cents in all metro areas, over the past two weeks.
State gas prices are now $0.01 cents more than a month ago, according to the AAA Northern California monthly gas survey.
Northern California’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.58, that’s $0.02 cents cheaper than last month’s AAA report on January 14, 2014.
For perspective, gas prices today are $0.40 cheaper than California’s average price on this date last year.
“In a departure from recent years, national gas prices have been largely flat at the start of 2014. This can be attributed in part to cold temperatures keeping drivers off of roads but also to the absence of the looming production concerns overseas or regional refinery issues that have propelled retail gasoline prices higher out of the gate the last several years.” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson.
The national average price is $3.31 per gallon of regular gasoline. This is $0.02 higher than yesterday, $0.04 higher than a week ago, the same as last month’s AAA report and $0.28 lower than a year ago.
Hawaii’s average price, $4.03, is the only state reporting an average price over $4.00. The second highest price in the contiguous states is found in California at $3.65. Montana has the lowest average price in the country at $3.03.
In 2011 escalating violence in Egypt and then Libya spurred pump prices higher. In 2012 the catalyst was growing tensions with Iran. In both of these instances global production concerns linked to geopolitical issues sent crude oil prices and ultimately gas prices higher.
In 2013 the early-year gas price increase was not a product of surging crude prices globally but of production issues domestically. Regional refinery issues leading up to the seasonal switchover to summer-blend gasoline production raised domestic supply concerns and sent retail prices sharply higher.
Crude oil prices had been relatively stable to begin the year; however prices moved higher to end last week, settling on Friday just short of the $100 per barrel threshold. This trend is continuing and, despite increasing just $0.18 on the day, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) settled at $100.06 per barrel. This marks the first time since Oct. 18 that WTI has settled above the $100 threshold.
The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Marysville where regular unleaded gasoline is $3.41 per gallon.
Of all the metro areas in Northern California, where gas prices are tracked by AAA, Eureka has the highest price at $3.77 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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SACRAMENTO – State Controller John Chiang has released his monthly report covering California's cash balance, receipts and disbursements in January 2014.
Revenues for the month totaled $12.2 billion, surpassing estimates in the 2014-15 Governor's Budget by $387.7 million, or 3.3 percent.
“Strong revenues for the month of January confirm California is continuing its slow climb out of the wreckage of the Great Recession,” said Chiang. “Better-than-expected income tax receipts – particularly those straight from paychecks – could indicate Californians are working and earning more.
“While year-to-date revenues are $427.5 million ahead of estimates adjusted upward only a month ago, the stock market's volatility reminds us that continued revenue outperformance should not be taken for granted. Spending discipline and paying down debt must continue to be our focus,” Chiang said.
Income tax receipts – boosted by increases in jobs, total earnings, and capital gains – exceeded the governor's expectations by $251.5 million, or 2.4 percent. Corporate tax receipts came in $186.3 million, or 266.2 percent, ahead of estimates.
Sales and use taxes were $120.1 million, or 9 percent, below expectations.
The state ended the month with a general fund cash deficit of $12.6 billion, which was covered with both internal and external borrowing.
That figure was down from last year, when the state faced a cash deficit of $15.7 billion at the end of January 2013.
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- Written by: Pam Harpster
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Two job fairs are coming to Lake County.
They will be held Friday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mendocino College Lake Center, 2565 Parallel Dr., Lakeport, and Friday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Yuba College Clear Lake Campus, 15880 Dam Road Extension, Clearlake.
Lake County and Clear Lake Chambers, EDD, Goodwill Industries, Department of Rehabilitation, California Human Development, Lake County Office of Education along with Mendocino College and Yuba College are working with MPIC and the partners of WorkforceLake to host and promote job fairs that will connect local businesses and job seekers.
Lake County is currently experiencing a rise in employment opportunities in a variety of occupations and skill levels. This is good news for the many job seekers who have been experiencing long term unemployment and the recent loss of unemployment extension benefits.
This is a great opportunity to connect with businesses that have openings and are hiring now.
Job seekers are encouraged to dress for success and be ready to meet with employers to learn about positions that they are looking to fill.
WorkforceLake offer many workshops that assist those wanting to prepare for their job search including as resume labs, interviewing skills, networking and other important skills needed to achieve a successful outcome from attending one of these job fairs.
Job seekers should call WorkforceLake at 707-263-0630 or visit WorkforceLake, a proud partner of America’s Job Centers of California located at 55 First St., Lakeport or 14092 Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake to learn more about these events.
A suggested donation of $30/employer is requested to help offset the overhead for the job fair if they participate in only one. Employers who wish to participate in both fairs can do so for $50.
Employers wishing to participate and connect with job seekers should contact Shannon Harris, MPIC Business Services Representative at 707-262-3470 for more information and to reserve a booth at one or both events.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake and Mendocino County Departments of Agriculture, in conjunction with the Lake County Farm Bureau and the University of California, is offering a one-day training session for persons who handle and apply pesticides.
The training will be held at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lewis Hall, 401 Martin St. in Lakeport on March 5.
This will be a hands-on style training covering six major areas of concern for pesticide applicators.
The training is being offered in both English and Spanish.
Every participant will receive a written training record, as required by law, for the three pesticides that will be covered. Four and a half hours of continuing education credits are being sought for participants.
The cost is $40 for Farm Bureau members or $75 for nonmembers. The fee includes refreshments, lunch, handouts and other materials.
Space is limited and preregistration is required.
Registration fees received after Feb. 25 will be increased by $10.
Special thanks to sponsors of the training go to the California Pear Advisory Board, Monsanto, DuPont and DowAgri.
To register for this training, please contact Lake County Farm Bureau at 707-263-0911,
Registration forms also are available at the Lake and Mendocino County Departments of Agriculture.