How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
Business News
- Details
- Written by: Editor
California state gas prices continue tumble as motorists reap in the benefits of filling up for less this holiday season.
This week state gas prices are registering at $2.97 on average for a gallon of unleaded gasoline – that’s $0.24 cheaper than prices since AAA Northern California’s latest monthly gas survey of Nov. 11.
Northern California’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline on Dec. 9 was $2.94 – that’s $0.25 less than last month’s AAA reported price on Nov. 11.
The highest recorded price ever registered in the state of California was in October 2012, at $4.67 a gallon for unleaded regular.
The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Marysville, where regular unleaded gasoline is $2.75 per gallon.
Of all metro areas tracked by AAA in Northern California, Yreka continues to register the highest price at $3.17 per gallon of unleaded regular.
“As crude oil costs continue to slide, gas prices are poised to drop even further,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “Consumers can expect to see the price at the pump tick even lower as we approach the New Year.”
Tuesday's national average was $2.66 per gallon and the average price for regular unleaded gasoline could test $2.50 by Christmas, and likely will fall to the lowest level since 2009.
The average price for retail gasoline historically declines from fall into winter due to a number of factors including decreased demand.
However, crude oil would have to fall by another $25 to $30 per barrel to cause the national average to drop below the $2 per gallon threshold this winter, which remains unlikely.
The price of oil accounts for approximately two-thirds of the price at the pump, and a $10 per barrel drop in the price of crude oil results in about a $0.25 drop in retail prices for motorists.
Global oil markets are still struggling to find a bottom since the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) decision to sustain production levels.
In an attempt to protect its share of the global market, Saudi Arabia, the second largest member of OPEC, continues the recent price cuts and offers barrels of oil at prices not seen in at least 14 years. Brent Crude and West Texas Intermediate reached their lowest levels in five years on Friday and this continues to mean cheaper gasoline at the pump for drivers.
At the close of formal trading on Friday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) settled below $66 per barrel for the first time since 2009, down $0.97 cents at $65.83 per barrel.
To get the best mileage possible, AAA recommends keeping tires at the recommended 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 a vehicle’s load also help to conserve gasoline.
AAA 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.
- Details
- Written by: Editor
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Pest Exclusion Branch is announcing six vacancies on the Nursery Advisory Board.
The board is composed of 12 voting members, each representing an establishment with a valid California License to Sell Nursery Stock.
No two members shall represent the same organization, members will represent a wide spectrum of the nursery industry, and the board will be geographically representative of the nursery industry in California.
The term of office for board members is four years. Members typically meet twice per year, but can meet more frequently if needed.
The members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources.
In addition, the board includes up to nine non-voting ex officio members from the County Agricultural Commissioner and Sealers Association, the University of California and groups affiliated with the nursery industry.
The mission of the Nursery Advisory Board is to grow and maintain a strong relationship between CDFA and the nursery industry in order to secure the industry’s future.
The board facilitates communication between state and federal regulators and the nursery industry, and it advises CDFA’s Nursery Services Program on policies, fees, and other issues concerning nurseries and nursery stock.
Individuals interested in being considered for this board appointment should send a brief résumé to Board Manager Joshua Kress by Dec. 1 at California Department of Food and Agriculture, Pest Exclusion Branch, 1220 N Street, Room 344, Sacramento, CA 95814.
For additional information, you may contact the Nursery Services Program at 916-654-0435.
- Details
- Written by: Editor
SAN FRANCISCO – Post offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27, for Thanksgiving.
Mail delivery is limited to Priority Express Mail so that U.S. Postal Service employees can share the holiday with family and friends.
But some Postal Service products and services are still available at 2,845 locations nationwide through self service kiosks. Most are available 24 hours each day, including holidays.
Post offices resume full service on Friday, Nov. 28. But for consumers looking for one less line on Black Friday, USPS Self Service Kiosks provide quick access to Postal Service products and services just as ATMs provide for banking customers. There is no extra fee.
The self service kiosks enable customers to weigh and mail letters and parcels, as well as purchase stamps using credit and debit cards.
The kiosks also dispense postage in any amount for Priority Express Mail, Priority Mail, First-Class and Standard Post services.
They also provide mailing information such as ZIP Code Lookup and accept post office box renewals.
The self service kiosks have been stocked with two holiday-themed stamps for the 2014 season: Consumers can purchase sheets of 18 stamps featuring the colorful Winter Fun stamps. Or, consumers can print individual stamps on demand featuring the iconic Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, celebrating the 50th year of the popular holiday television special.
Image of a Self-Service Kiosk.Postal Service kiosks are popular and also deliver a Spanish-language option.
According to Postal Facts 2014, sales of USPS postage and services at kiosks are part of the overall $7.6 billion suite of “expanded access” opportunities available to consumers, which also includes Stamps To Go offered at retailers and online postage sales.
Consumers can find the nearest USPS Self Service Kiosk using the “Find Locations” tool at www.usps.com .
- Details
- Written by: Editor
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing three vacancies on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board.
The board makes regulatory and enforcement recommendations to the department to help ensure that commercial feed inspections contribute to a clean and wholesome supply of milk, meat and eggs.
The vacancies are for commercial feed industry representatives and applicants must hold a current California Commercial Feed License.
The term of office for board members is up to three years. Members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration.
If appointed, individuals will be required to complete the Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests and the Ethics Training Course.
Individuals interested in serving on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board will need to complete a questionnaire, available on the program Web site, and send a resume by Jan. 15, 2015, to the California Department of Food and Agriculture – Feed and Livestock Drugs Inspection Program, 1220 “N” Street, Sacramento, California 95814-5607, Attention: Marilyn Boehnke.
For further information on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board and vacancies, contact Marilyn Boehnke at 916-900-5022 or email