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Lower prices at the pump continue to be enjoyed by California motorists as prices continue to drop another $0.06 cents in one week.
The state average price is at $3.61 per gallon of unleaded regular gasoline, according to the AAA Northern California monthly gas survey.
Northern California’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.59, that’s $0.02 cent cheaper than the state average, and a decrease of $0.24 since last month’s AAA report on Oct. 8, 2013.
For perspective, gas prices today are $ 0.25 less expensive than California’s average price on this date last year. California is recording the highest contiguous state average price for regular unleaded gasoline.
“Thanks to a light hurricane season, the completion of winter blend conversion and less demand by consumers, gas prices continue on a downward trend,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “Barring any unforeseen event, AAA expects the state average at the pump to continue to fall as we approach the end of the year.”
Today’s national average price is $3.18 per gallon. Today’s average is $.01 lower than yesterday, $.06 lower than a week ago, $.17 lower than last month’s AAA report and $.26 lower than a year ago. The downward trend is enjoyed nationwide as every state reports lower prices than a week ago, a month ago and a year ago.
Hawaii is the only state to have an average price over the $4.00 mark. The highest price in the contiguous states is recorded in California at $3.61.
Average prices have fallen below the psychologically significant $3.00 threshold in six states: Arkansas, $2.93; Kansas, $2.95; Louisiana, $2.99; Missouri, $2.81; Oklahoma, $2.93; and Texas, $2.94. Twelve states are within a dime of the $3.00 mark.
After 15 straight weeks above $100 per barrel, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil has now settled below this mark for three straight weeks, including a five-month low of $93.37 per barrel last Tuesday.
WTI prices returned slightly higher over the second half of last week, and were up another 54 cents today to settle at $94.62 per barrel at the close of formal trading on the NYMEX.
The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Marysville where regular unleaded gasoline is $3.42 per gallon. Of all the metro areas in Northern California, where gas prices are tracked by AAA, Eureka has the highest average price at $3.87.
The highest average price of gas tracked by AAA in the nation is in Hawaii. The price there is $4.05 per gallon. The lowest price, at $2.81 per gallon, can be found in Missouri.
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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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – More than 25 wineries around Lake County are planning to open their tasting room doors to welcome guests to the Lake County Winery Association’s Annual Holiday Open House Dec. 6-8.
Member wineries of the Association invite visitors to “sip, savor and shop” between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day. Admission is free.
The event will take place at wineries, cellars and wine artisans throughout the communities of Lake County, including Clearlake Oaks, Kelseyville, Lakeport, Lower Lake, Middletown, Nice and Upper Lake.
“Enjoy holiday shopping in our beautiful rural areas,” says Nick Butitta, president of the Lake County Winery Association. “Avoid the crowds and malls, and find wonderful gifts offered by our award-winning wineries. In addition, enjoy many of our local communities’ holiday events.”
The open house will feature case and wine sales as well as a variety of gift ideas from the wineries and artisans.
For a list of participating wineries and additional information about Lake County wineries, visit the Lake County Winery Association Web site, www.lakecountywineries.org .
The Lake County Winery Association promotes the wineries and award winning wines produced in the higher elevations of the North Coast.
To contact the association, send an email message to
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SACRAMENTO – State Controller John Chiang on Friday released his monthly report covering California’s cash balance, receipts and disbursements in October 2013.
Revenues for the month totaled $5.3 billion, surpassing estimates in the state budget by $510.5 million, or 10.7 percent.
Total revenue from the first four months of the fiscal year totaled $25.5 billion, beating year-to-date estimates by $603.7 million.
“State revenues are more than $600 million ahead of projections following a second straight month of strong collections,” said Chiang. “Importantly, because higher-than-expected payroll withholdings and estimated payments are driving the good news, it signals that Californians are beginning to earn more, work more, and the Great Recession is becoming a faint image in the rear view mirror. The recipe for sustaining this momentum is to remain disciplined in our spending, pay-down debt, and aggressively hold taxpayer-funded programs accountable for results.”
Personal income taxes for the month came in $438.9 million above (11.8 percent) estimates, much of that from tax amounts withheld on individuals' paychecks.
Sales tax receipts were up $53.2 million (7.4 percent). Only corporate taxes missed their monthly estimate, coming in $16 million below (8.9 percent) projections.
Year-to-date disbursements were $103.1 million below estimates, but this variance will easily be offset in November by more than $1 billion of planned payments to education agencies. Those payments were originally expected to go out before October 31.
The state ended the month with a General Fund cash deficit of $18.3 billion, which was covered with both internal and external borrowing. That figure is down from last year, when the State faced a cash deficit of $24.7 billion at the end of October 2012.
For more news, please follow the Controller on Twitter at @CAController, and on Facebook at California State Controller's Office.
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MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Area Merchants Association will host an open house mixer from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19.
The event will take place at the Middletown Plaza.
There will be light refreshments, raffle prizes and great conversations.
Visit each shop, complete the MAMA punch card and be entered into the grand prize drawing.
Visit the MAMA Web site at http://www.middletownareamerchants.com/ .