How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
Business News
- Details
- Written by: Redwood Credit Union
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Redwood Credit Union’s recently launched Benefits Checking isn’t just a checking account — it’s a comprehensive protection package that offers peace of mind in moments people need it most.
It’s added protection when your child has a fever in the middle of the night, you get a flat tire, or you drop your phone. It’s there when you need help rebuilding your credit, or someone you don’t know attempts to open an account in your name.
Whether it’s a shattered phone screen, sudden health concerns, identity theft, or unexpected vehicle breakdowns, Benefits Checking is smart coverage at a time when every dollar counts.
“I had a member who I noticed was paying $19.95 a month for Equifax credit file monitoring. They were able to cancel that and now only pay $7 a month for our credit file monitoring, plus all of the other benefits!” said Nicole Munns, an RCU member relationship specialist. “And my roommate and I were able to cancel the insurance on our phones through our shared cell phone carrier, which will save us hundreds of dollars a year.”
There are travel and leisure discounts too — early members have reported using Benefits Checking for everything from getting a free root beer float to saving hundreds on a rental car.
“Benefits Checking embodies RCU’s commitment to its purpose by providing a consumer checking product that delivers real solutions to everyday challenges,” said Stephen Nixon, vice president of Deposits.
Among the services Benefits Checking offers:
• Cell phone protection: With Benefits Checking, Members are covered up to $600 per damage or loss claim, twice yearly. This benefit covers up to four phones on a cell phone bill that is paid through the Benefits Checking account or through a credit card issued by RCU, with a $50 deductible.
• Identity and credit monitoring: The included identity theft monitoring reviews over 1,000 databases, the dark web, and public records to identify suspicious activity. In the event of an identity theft, members are connected with dedicated specialists who know exactly how to help. • Also included: $25,000 in identity fraud reimbursement coverage and IDProtect Score Tracker and a credit Score simulator, which will provide insights into how different financial actions may impact their credit score.
• Telehealth services: Through DocTegrity, members can connect with board-certified doctors and licensed therapists without leaving home and without a copay. An enrolled spouse and up to 6 dependent children above 2 years old are also eligible for services at no additional cost.
• Roadside Assistance: A 24/7 phone support line if a motorist is stranded with a flat tire, dead battery, or an empty gas tank. And there’s coverage up to $100 per occurrence, twice per year.
• Travel and Leisure: As an extra bonus, members can enjoy travel, dining and shopping discounts year-round.
All of these benefits can be accessed directly through a secure portal provided in digital banking.
Founded in 1950, Redwood Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution providing personal and business banking to consumers and businesses in the North Bay and San Francisco.
With a mission to passionately serve the best interests of its members, team members and communities, RCU delivers many ways for its members to save and build money through checking and savings accounts, auto and home loans, credit cards, digital banking, business services, commercial and SBA lending, and more.
For more information, call 800-479-7928, visit redwoodcu.org, or follow RCU on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn for news and updates.
- Details
- Written by: AAA
A recent refinery issue has caused a surge in gas prices ahead of Labor Day weekend.
The national average for a gallon of regular went up more than seven cents this past week to $3.21 mainly due to flooding at BP Whiting Refinery in Indiana.
The largest refinery in the Midwest shut down operations for several days following a severe thunderstorm. As a result, states in the Great Lakes region saw an increase in gas prices, but they may get some relief soon now that the refinery is back online.
“Overall, summer gas prices have remained steady and should trend downward as the fall season begins,” says Doug Johnson, spokesperson with AAA Mountain West Group. “The incident in Indiana underscores the futility of predicting gas prices. Mother Nature and geopolitical events can suddenly and unexpectedly impact fuel prices.”
California drivers will find an average price of $4.59, a 10-cent jump from last week.
Fuel prices around the state:
• Lake County: $4.52.
• San Francisco: $4.71.
• Oakland: $4.63.
• San Jose: $4.57.
• Sacramento: $4.54.
• Fresno: $4.59.
• Stockton: $4.48.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration, or EIA, gasoline demand increased from 8.84 million b/d last week to 9.24 million.
Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 223.6 million barrels to 222.3. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 10 million barrels per day.
Oil market dynamics
At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose 90 cents to settle at $64.15 a barrel. The EIA reports crude oil inventories decreased by 2.4 million barrels from the previous week. At 418.3 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 6% below the five-year average for this time of year.
EV charging
The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stayed the same this past week at 36 cents. In California, it’s 37 cents.
State stats: Gas
The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.59), Hawaii ($4.47), Washington ($4.39), Oregon ($3.97), Nevada ($3.81), Alaska ($3.75), Illinois ($3.54), Idaho ($3.48), Arizona ($3.42), and Michigan ($3.37).
The nation's top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.73), Arkansas ($2.78), Louisiana ($2.78), Oklahoma ($2.78), Tennessee ($2.79), Texas ($2.80), Alabama ($2.83), South Carolina ($2.84), Missouri ($2.87), and Kansas ($2.87).
State stats: Electric
The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Alaska (51 cents), West Virginia (49 cents), Hawaii (47 cents), South Carolina (45 cents), New Hampshire (43 cents), Tennessee (43 cents), Arkansas (42 cents), Montana (42 cents), Idaho (42 cents), and Louisiana (42 cents).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (25 cents), Missouri (27 cents), Maryland (28 cents), Utah (28 cents), Nebraska (30 cents), Delaware (31 cents), Vermont (32 cents), North Carolina (32 cents), Washington (33 cents), and Virginia (33 cents).
Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA Mobile App, now available on CarPlay.
Fine current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com.
- Details
- Written by: AAA
As a record-breaking summer travel season comes to an end, many across the county are preparing to close it out with one last big trip for Labor Day weekend.
The good news for domestic travelers is this final getaway will be more budget-friendly, with flights, hotels, and car rentals being more affordable than previous years.
“Millions of travelers are taking advantage of cheaper prices on lodging and transportation this Labor Day weekend,” said Doug Johnson, spokesperson for AAA Mountain West Group. “Travelers can mitigate costs and maximize the value of their trips even more with the help of a travel advisor and by taking advantage of the many discounts that come with a AAA Membership.”
AAA booking data reveals where travel costs are less — and more — this Labor Day weekend.
Flights:
• Domestic flights are 6% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
• The average price for a domestic roundtrip flight is $720.
• International flights are 8% more expensive compared to last year.
• The average price for an international roundtrip ticket is $1,470.
Hotels:
• Domestic hotels are 11% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
• The average cost of a domestic hotel stay booked through AAA is $495 per stay.
• International hotels are 2% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
• International hotel bookings through AAA average $590 per stay.
Rental cars:
• Domestic car rentals are 3% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year, with the average cost for a rental car being about $545 per stay.
• International car rentals are 42% cheaper this year, with the average cost being around $645 per stay.
• Hertz, AAA’s car rental partner, says the top destinations based on advanced bookings are Orlando, Denver, Boston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, with the busiest day to pick up rental cars expected to be Friday, Aug. 29.
Gas prices this summer have averaged its lowest prices since 2021. The national average for a gallon of regular last Labor Day was $3.33. Barring severe weather affecting Gulf Coast refineries, gas prices should stay below what they were last year.
Saturday, Aug. 30 is expected to be the busiest travel day for drivers. Afternoon and early evening will be the worst times to hit the road over the holiday weekend.
International travel costs this year are a mixed bag — while hotels are 2% cheaper, airfare is 8% more expensive.
European cities make up most of AAA’s top international destinations, but the number one spot belongs to Vancouver.
Alaska cruises are wrapping up a strong season, as AAA projected at the beginning of the year with the 2025 Cruise Forecast.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKEPORT, Calif. — Lincoln-Leavitt Insurance, in a strategic move to better reflect its expanded services and unified operation, has changed their name to Far West Leavitt Insurance Services.
This change will take effect immediately across all communications and operational materials.
Earlier this year, Far West Leavitt Insurance Services had a merger with Pyorre Insurance Agency, uniting two trusted local agencies with a shared commitment to client service.
The name change to Far West Leavitt Insurance Services reflects this integration and marks a new chapter as a strong team serving the region with expanded resources and support.
“This renaming to Far West Leavitt Insurance Services marks an exciting milestone, reflecting strategic expansion and an unwavering commitment to delivering even greater value. As we embrace this new identity, we are more dedicated than ever to strengthening our position as a market leader, expanding our reach, and enhancing the exceptional service our customers have come to expect,” said Jill Jensen, managing owner.
The transformation into Far West Leavitt Insurance Services does not alter the internal structure of the agency.
The staff, office locations and contact information remain unchanged. Clients can expect the same personalized service and commitment to community welfare that have been hallmarks of the agency's operations.
Far West Leavitt Insurance Services, formed in 1999 through a partnership with Leavitt Group, is Lake County’s leading provider of insurance products for families and businesses. With over 115 years of combined insurance experience among its licensed agents, Far West Leavitt Insurance is known for its exceptional service teams, who offer timely, friendly, and compassionate assistance to clients.
Leavitt Group is one of the largest privately held insurance brokerages in the nation with a mission to build, serve, and perpetuate independent insurance agencies as partners with local co-owners. With an extensive network of 85+ agencies and 250+ locations across 28 states, Leavitt Group offers a distinctive advantage with local ownership, delivering a personalized and collaborative approach to commercial insurance, employee benefits and personal insurance.
For more information about Leavitt Group, visit www.leavitt.com.