How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
Business News
- Details
- Written by: Editor
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. – Drivers across Northern California are seeing gas prices bounce up and down like a ball in a school yard.
That bounce has gotten slightly higher over the past few weeks, as prices have generally trended upwards, according to the latest report from AAA Northern California.
In a month-to-month comparison, every metro area tracked by AAA saw an increase at the pump.
“Even though there has been a slight rise in the pump price over the past month, the overall up and down nature of prices across Northern California reflects the mixed signals that exist when it comes to the economy and the demand for gasoline,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Matt Skryja.
“Uncertainly about the economy and forecasts for a highly active storm season continue to influence how investors look at oil as a commodity to invest in. These factors have helped to keep the price for a barrel of oil around the $80 mark,” Skryja added.
California’s average gas price is the third highest among all 50 states, according to the latest report from AAA, which tracks gasoline prices as a service to consumers.
The Golden State’s average for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $3.18, up four cents since last month’s report on July 13. For perspective, that’s 13 cents higher than California’s average price on this date last year, when it was $3.05.
Northern California gas prices are now averaging $3.20, up five cents from last month. In the San Francisco Bay Area, motorists can expect to pay an average price of $3.27, which is a 5-cent increase.
The national average price of $2.78 is up by seven cents, which is 13 cents more than the national price on this date last year, when it was $2.65.
According to the Federal Highway Administration’s vehicle miles traveled (VMT) data, July and August are historically the months in which Americans drive the most miles. Fuel demand during these two months generally provides the support for higher fuel prices in the summer.
Last week, the Department of Energy (DOE) report showed mixed energy demand data. Gasoline demand topped 9.6 million barrels a day, the highest weekly figure of 2010 and the highest number since August 2007. The DOE report defied many analysts’ predictions, as crude oil supplies continue to rise amid the reported increase in demand.
The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Chico and Marysville where regular is $3.11.
Of all the metro areas in Northern California where gas prices are tracked by AAA, South Lake Tahoe’s average price of $3.41 is the highest. It’s also the highest price reported by AAA in the lower 48 states.
The least expensive gasoline in the country is found in Greenville, South Carolina, and Springfield Missouri, where the average price of gas is $2.54. Wailuku, Hawaii, holds the dubious crown for the highest average price in the nation, at $3.81 per gallon.
One way consumers can reduce the amount of money they spend on fuel is to shop aggressively for the lowest price. Now, AAA offers text alerts via mobile phone for low gas prices in your area. Sign up today at www.aaa.com/gas.
AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report is the most comprehensive retail gasoline survey available, with over 100,000 self-serve stations surveyed everyday nationwide. Data is provided in cooperation with OPIS Energy Group and Wright Express, LLC.
- Details
- Written by: Editor
SACRAMENTO – State Controller John Chiang on Tuesday released his monthly report covering California’s cash balance, receipts and disbursements in July.
The month’s revenues were below the Governor’s May Revision estimates by $91 million, or 1.9 percent.
“While July’s numbers do not radically change our cash position, the failure to pass a timely budget remains the biggest threat to California’s finances,” said Chiang. “I urge the governor and Legislature to show leadership by immediately addressing the potential cash crisis.”
The Legislature passed and the governor signed a series of scheduled payment deferrals earlier this year.
That legislation calls for an October education deferral to be accelerated into September if necessary to maintain the state’s cash flow.
When that payment is deferred in September, the state is projected to maintain safe cash levels into October.
Yet without a balanced budget that allows the state to begin its regular cash-flow borrowing, the state may still have to take extreme measures to manage cash, including IOUs, by late August or early September.
Personal income tax revenues were $210 million below (-6.6%) estimates. Corporate taxes were up $86 million (37.4%) and sales taxes came in $69 million above (6.6%) estimates.
Expenditures were running $963 million ahead of estimates through July 31. The state’s $13.7 billion cash deficit is being covered entirely by internal borrowing.
July's financial statement and the summary analysis can be found on the controller's Web site at www.sco.ca.gov.
- Details
- Written by: Editor
CLEARLAKE – The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce is looking for Lake County-loving volunteers to serve in the chamber's information center in Clearlake at the community/senior center.
Volunteers will greet guests, answer phones, do light clerical and projects, assist with events and learn more about the community while serving it.
If interested, please contact Executive Director Lori Peters, Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, 3245 Bowers Ave., Clearlake, telephone 707-994-3600.
Visit the chamber online at www.clearlakechamber.com.
- Details
- Written by: Melissa Fulton
ShopStayPlay.com has been created to develop an online shopping directory for all Lake County businesses.
While every community promotes shopping local, the Lake County Chamber has taken the movement a step beyond what most communities do.
When people shop outside Lake County, their sales taxes are paying for other communities schools, roads and providing support to nonprofits, explained past chamber President Kenny Parlet.
“It is important that those of us who live in Lake County spend our dollars in Lake County,” said Parlet.
“Over 75 percent of the businesses in this county are owned by one or two people, usually a husband and wife, who donate to Lake County nonprofits, schools, youth groups, etc.,” he said.
It is this support by Lake County businesses which makes communities strong. These businesses will continue to support local communities, providing a good quality of life, and doing business with them supports them.
By spending dollars locally, residents keep those “mom and pop” businesses alive and well and the community sees a benefit.
If you haven’t been to www.shopstayplay.com, visit it soon, write a review of a Lake County businesses you have recently visited.
Even if the business isn’t on the Web site yet, you can write a review after you log on as a “shopper.”
There is no charge to be a shopper, said current Chamber President Armand Pauly, owner of Polestar Computer.
Current outrageous deals available on www.shopstayplay.com include an event or business banner, a water heater and a $50 bouquet for $25.
Support your community, save your dollars and save your time by taking part in Shop, Stay and Play in Lake County.
For more information visit www.shopstayplay.com or contact the Lake County Chamber of Commerce at 707-263-5092.