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Since AAA’s last survey, all but one metro area where AAA tracks gas prices in Northern California saw double-digit price increases. Most cities in California are now above the $3.00 a gallon mark.
According to the latest report from AAA Northern California, which tracks gasoline prices as a service to consumers, California’s average gas price is the third highest among all 50 states.
The Golden State’s average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is averaging $3.05, up 16 cents since last month’s report on July 14. For perspective, that’s $1.07 less than California’s average price on this date last year, when it was $4.12.
Northern California gas prices are now averaging $3.01, up 13 cents from last month. In the San Francisco Bay Area, motorists can expect to pay an average price of $3.13. The national average price of $2.64 is up by 12 cents, which is still $1.17 cheaper than the national price on this date last year, when it was $3.81.
AAA analysts feel the recent oil rally was based more on optimism about the future prospects for the economy than on current supply and demand.
Typically, as the economy improves more oil is used. If investors think the economy is improving they will buy more oil because it’s a commodity they think will be in demand. News that China was increasing its manufacturing activity and some possible positive news about manufacturing in the U.S. inspired investors to buy.
The weak dollar also encouraged investors to purchase oil. A weak dollar means buyers using stronger currencies can get more for their money. That activity also tends to drive up the price. Late last week and early this week, a strengthening dollar helped stall the upward surge in oil prices.
“Barring unforeseen events, retail gasoline prices should mimic the stability of oil prices in the short term, with the national average staying around or slightly above $2.50 per gallon,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Matt Skryja. “The president of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is further enforcing this notion; he seemed to imply the cartel won’t likely restrict its oil supply at a meeting next month as long as the price per barrel remains steady.”
The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Chico, Marysville, and Modesto, where unleaded is $2.97.
Of all the metro areas in Northern California where gas prices are tracked by AAA, Eureka had the highest average price at $3.30, which is also the highest price in the lower 48 states.
The least expensive gasoline in the country is found in Springfield, Missouri where the average price of gas is $2.38. Wailuku, Hawaii, holds the crown for the highest average price in the nation, with $3.56 per gallon.
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SODA BAY – Local restaurateur, Zino Mezoui, formed a friendship through the years with dining patron and local organic farmer, Jim Leonardis. Leonardis now supplies Mezoui with fresh vegetables for the Italian delicacies served nightly at Zino’s Ristorante in Soda Bay.
From heirloom tomatoes and basil expertly transformed into fresh bruschetta, as well as a traditionally prepared fresh tomato pomodoro pasta sauce, to the fresh creamed squash soup served nightly, Leonardis’ products provide a local grace, taste and flair unmatched — one that is desired by more and more patrons.
This summer Mezoui also is featuring Leonardis’ French heirloom Ronde de Nice (round squash) stuffed with couscous, chickpeas and a touch of roasted bell pepper for flavor emphasis. Mezoui prepares this appetizer especially for his vegetarian customers, though all can enjoy the subtle and smooth flavors.
This season, Mezoui also has modified his eggplant parmesan with Leonardis’ heirloom squash varieties.
Mezoui, whose French and Italian parents and grandparents were restauranteers, was born in France and moved to the United States in the 1980s. He owned and operated Zino on the Plaza in Sonoma for 23 years and moved to Lake County in 2006.
Zino’s Restorante, which overlooks Soda Bay on Clearlake, is operated by he and his wife, Jan. Mezoui’s attention to detail and the professional blending of unique Italian flavors provide a deeply satisfying and rich experience for any dining connoisseur.
Leonardis Organics, a dream of once corporate technology sales and marketing manager and now farmer Jim Leonardis, features three acres of organic vegetables, melons and flowers amongst a 40-acre organic walnut orchard on Argonaut Road in Lakeport.
Leonardis’ produce is available through various outlets including Zino’s Ristorante, Nature’s Bounty in Lakeport, Lake County Community Co-op’s CSA boxes, Ukiah Co-op, Finley Farmers’ Market and direct from the farm sales.
He also participates in the Farm to School program with Kelseyville and Konocti Unified districts providing a direct link for students to their food.
The growing trend in local and organic produce has hit Lake County in a wave peaking this summer.
“The more connections to local produce a community has, the more sustainable the community will be and the more flavor the locals will enjoy,” Leonardis said. “There’s great work being done at the Lake County Food Policy Council level to increase connections in our community to locally produced food,” he continued, “and you just can’t beat the taste of fresh locally grown organic products.”
Zino’s Restorante is located at 6330 Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville and serves dinners nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For reservations or more information call 707- 279-1620.
Leonardis Organics is located at 1010 Argonaut Road, Lakeport. For more information contact Jim at 707-483-4004.
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The group's meetings are held the fourth Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at Live Oak Senior Center, 12502 Foothill Blvd., Clearlake Oaks.
Featured speakers each meeting include county redevelopment plans, area updates as well as various speakers of interest.
Gourmet dinners are served at the meetings for $10, if desired. Please call for reservations, 707-998-1744.
Membership is open to all, not just business owners.
Yearly membership dues are $30.
For membership information call 707-998-3795.
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The state fair opens on Friday, Aug. 21, and closes on Monday, Sept. 7.
Enthusiasm and positive approach with potential visitors to our county is very important. The chamber wants everyone to know how special Lake County is.
Last year, the exhibit once again won the Silver Award, as well as a Special Award for the best marketing of a county.
As in the past, all volunteers will receive a free parking pass and admission into the state fair, and will have time before or after the shift to see the fair.
If you are interested in volunteering your time to represent Lake County, call the chamber at 707-263-5092, e-mail
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