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In Los Angeles, Newsom convenes inaugural CARE Court roundtable

CARE Court provides individuals with clinically appropriate, community-based & court-ordered mental health & substance use disorder treatment

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Governor Newsom meets current Kress House resident Zackary Wright (Photo Credit: Office of the Governor)

LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom today visited a residential facility in Los Angeles, where he met with clients, health care and service providers, and local and judicial officials to discuss his CARE Court proposal.

Unveiled by the Governor last week, CARE Court is a new policy framework for providing community-based mental health and substance use disorder treatment services to Californians with the most acute challenges, many of whom are experiencing homelessness. 

Today’s roundtable is the first in a series of statewide convenings that the Administration will host, bringing together Californians who would benefit from the new framework, health care providers, first responders, outreach workers, representatives from the courts, local officials and other stakeholders.

“With new tools and a focus on accountability, CARE Court will empower communities to help those in the greatest need get critical services to put them on a path to recovery and healing,” said Governor Newsom. “In the weeks ahead, we’ll be hearing firsthand from everyday Californians and their families, service providers, health care professionals, first responders, members of the judiciary, local officials and other stakeholders whose partnership is foundational to our community-based approach.”

Governor Newsom convened today’s roundtable at Kress House in Los Angeles, a residential housing facility that provides comprehensive behavioral health services for justice-involved individuals.

Governor Newsom and Dr. Ghaly meet with clients, health care and service providers
(Photo Credit: Office of the Governor)

The Governor today also announced the launch of a new CARE Court website by the California Health and Human Services Agency, which will serve as a one-stop resource for the public and stakeholders to learn more about the framework, provide their input, and keep abreast of developments.

The Governor was joined today by Kress House residents, California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly, Medical Director for the Los Angeles County Office of Diversion Dr. Kristen Ochoa, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Holly J. Mitchell, Executive Director Herbert Hatanaka of Special Service for Groups, the non-profit operating Kress House, and other roundtable participants.

CARE Court, which must be approved by the Legislature, would require counties to provide comprehensive treatment to the most severely impaired and untreated Californians and hold patients accountable to following their treatment plans. The framework will provide an opportunity for a range of people, including family members, first responders, intervention teams, and mental health service providers, among others, to refer individuals suffering from a list of specific ailments, many of them unhoused, and get them into community-based services.

The CARE Court framework was created using the evidence that many people can stabilize, begin healing, and exit homelessness in less restrictive, community-based care settings. The plan focuses on people with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, who may also have substance use challenges, and who lack medical decision-making capacity, and advances an upstream diversion from more restrictive conservatorships or incarceration.

CARE Court would provide individuals with a clinically appropriate, community-based and court-ordered Care Plan consisting of culturally and linguistically competent county mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. These include short-term stabilization medications, wellness and recovery supports, and connection to social services, including a housing plan. In addition to a full clinical team, the client-centered approach includes a public defender and a supporter to help individuals make self-directed care decisions. Services would be provided to the individual through an outpatient model while they live in the community.

In the event that a participant cannot successfully complete a Care Plan, the individual may be referred for a conservatorship, consistent with current law, with a presumption that no suitable alternatives to conservatorship are available. All counties across the state will participate in CARE Court under the proposal. If local governments do not meet their specified duties under court-ordered Care Plans, the court will have the ability to order sanctions and, in extreme cases, appoint an agent to ensure services are provided.

CARE Court builds on Governor Newsom’s $14 billion multi-year investment to provide 55,000 new housing units and treatment slots and nearly $10 billion annually in community behavioral health services. The Governor’s approach focuses on quickly rehousing unsheltered individuals with behavioral health issues, all while new units come online, while also transforming Medi-Cal to provide more behavioral health services to people struggling the most.

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Southern California

Triple A:  Average gas prices jump over $5 in SoCal

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.03, which is eight cents higher than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Most areas of Southern California are now experiencing average prices over $5 a gallon as prices moved up for the second week in a row and for eight weeks total in 2024 so far, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.03, which is eight cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.54, which is one cent higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.08 per gallon, which is nine cents more than last week, 26 cents higher than last month, and 23 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.06, which is seven cents higher than last week, 22 cents higher than last month, and 19 cents higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.06, which is six cents higher than last week, 26 cents higher than last month, and 23 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.96, which is nine cents higher than last week, 25 cents higher than last month and 18 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.93 average price is eight cents more than last week, 33 cents more than last month, and five cents higher than a year ago today.

“According to Oil Price Information Service, the Wilmington section of Phillip 66’s Los Angeles refinery is undergoing planned maintenance, with no information available on when it will return to production,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “It’s important for drivers to keep in mind that even in areas with average prices over $5 a gallon, they can usually find much less expensive gasoline than $5 nearby by using a free tool such as the AAA Mobile app. As of today, there are still several Southern California gas stations with prices under $4.50 a gallon.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on March 28, averages are:

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Southern California

Triple A: Average gas prices near $5 in many areas

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.95, which is seven cents higher than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Gas prices in many metropolitan Southern California areas are now near $5 gallon after moving up by about a penny a day in the last week, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.95, which is seven cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.53, which is 12 cents higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.99 per gallon, which is six cents more than last week, 18 cents higher than last month, and 12 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is also $4.99, which is seven cents higher than last week, 13 cents higher than last month, and two cents lower than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5, which is eight cents higher than last week, 13 cents higher than last month, and 16 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.87, which is six cents higher than last week, 19 cents higher than last month and seven cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.85 average price is eight cents more than last week, 28 cents more than last month, and two cents lower than a year ago today.

“Gas prices are likely to continue trending upward this spring as in prior years,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “To save money on gas, drivers should shop around for the lowest prices using a tool such as the free AAA Mobile app, keep their vehicle and tires well-maintained, and adopt a gentle driving style that avoids speeding, hard braking and jackrabbit starts.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on March 21, averages are:

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Southern California

Triple A: Gas prices stop rising

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.88, which is one cent higher than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – In most areas of Southern California, gas prices took a break from their typical pattern of increases in late winter and early spring, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.88, which is one cent higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.41, which is also one cent higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.93 per gallon, which is the same as last week, 15 cents higher than last month, and one cent lower than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.92, which is also the same as last week, 13 cents higher than last month, and two cents lower than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.92, which is two cents higher than last week, 17 cents higher than last month, and one cent higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.81, which is one cent higher than last week, 14 cents higher than last month and five cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.77 average price is three cents more than last week, 20 cents more than last month, and 12 cents lower than a year ago today.

“Indications are that this pause may be temporary, since Los Angeles wholesale gasoline prices have been on the rise this week,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Drivers should shop around for the best gas prices near them by using a free online tool such as the AAA Mobile app.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on March 14, averages are:

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Southern California

Triple A: Southern California gas prices rise for second week

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.87, which is 13 cents higher than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices are up for the second week in a row as local refinery maintenance continues to affect production, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.87, which is 13 cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.40, which is eight cents higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.93 per gallon, which is eight cents more than last week, 22 cents higher than last month, and two cents lower than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.92, which is six cents more than last week, 20 cents higher than last month, and two cents lower than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.90, which is nine cents higher than last week, 21 cents higher than last month, and the same as last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.80, which is eight cents higher than last week, 22 cents higher than last month and five cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.74 average price is 12 cents more than last week, 18 cents more than last month, and 11 cents lower than a year ago today.

“According to Oil Price Information Service, one local refinery has announced it will be undergoing maintenance for a week starting today, while the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that West Coast refinery production rates and gasoline imports increased over the past week,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Gas prices may continue to experience upward pressure as demand grows in the next few months.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on March 7, averages are:

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Southern California

Election Day is Tuesday: How to vote & where

Vote Centers will open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM and on Election Day, March 5, from 7 AM to 8 PM to vote in person or return a ballot

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Photo Credit: County of Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) Dean C. Logan announced that 525 additional Vote Centers will open for the Presidential Primary Election on Saturday, March 2.

Vote Centers will open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM and on Election Day, March 5, from 7 AM to 8 PM to vote in person or return a ballot.

A full list and map of Vote Center locations and wait times is available online here: (Link)

First-time voters who missed the registration deadline can visit any Vote Center, complete a Conditional Voter Registration, and cast a ballot in this election. Voters can also update their registration information, including their party affiliation, to receive their preferred party’s ballot or request a crossover ballot.

The quickest method to participate in this election is to return the Vote by Mail ballot by mail (no postage required) or in person at any Official Ballot Drop Box or Vote Center location.

Registered voters should have already received a ballot by mail. After submitting their ballot, California voters can track their ballot through a tool called “Where’s My Ballot?” It sends notifications via email, text or voice call.

Return ballot by mail

You can mail in your ballot as long as it is postmarked by Tuesday, March 5. You can also drop off your ballot at a secure box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can find a ballot drop-off location by visiting caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov.

Vote early in person

More than 100 voting centers opened on February 24 across Los Angeles County for residents to cast in-person ballots for the upcoming presidential primary election.

The centers will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters can cast their ballots at any center, regardless of where they live in the county. A list of nearby locations can be found online at locator.lavote.gov.

On March 2, more than 600 vote center locations will open across the county.

Return ballot in person

You can drop off your ballot at any polling location or your local county elections office by 8 p.m. on March 5. To find your polling location visit www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place and enter your address.

Vote in person on Super Tuesday elections day

To vote on Election Day, you must go to your designated polling place. You can find where your polling place is located by putting in your home address in poll locators on websites including Vote.org, Google.com or on your local elections website.

Voter info by county

Los Angeles County

Orange County

Ventura County

Riverside County

San Bernardino County

Click here for your SoCal guide to Super Tuesday and the 2024 California primary election.

Metro offers free rides and ballot box drop-offs

The Los Angeles area regional transit agency Metro is again offering free public transit rides on Election Day to help voters reach the polls.

Metro issued a map of its route lines which includes nine locations that have dropoff boxes for ballots. The free rides include all Metro buses, trains, bike share and Micro rideshare.

On Election Day – Tuesday March 5 – polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. but the free rides continue until midnight.

The Super Tuesday ballot includes the presidential race, California’s U.S. Senate seat, multiple seats in Congress and many local races and measures.

Ride free election day Tuesday

Ballot drop off at 9 stations. Voters can safely and securely drop off their ballots at these Metro station Vote-by-Mail drop boxes:

  • El Monte Bus Station
  • Harbor Freeway Station
  • Harbor Gateway Transit Center
  • Hollywood/Western Station
  • North Hollywood Station B
  • Norwalk Station
  • Westlake/MacArthur Park Station
  • Wilshire/Vermont Station
  • Union Station (East Portal)

Metro’s plan trip Google/Apple maps, http://metro.net

LA County polling locations etc http://lavote.gov


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Southern California

Triple A: Local gas prices resume climbing after brief pause

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.74, which is ten cents higher than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices began climbing again this week after a brief week-long pause in most areas, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.74, which is ten cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.32, which is five cents higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.85 per gallon, which is five cents more than last week, 27 cents higher than last month, and one cent higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.86, which is five cents more than last week, 27 cents higher than last month, and one cent higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.81, which is four cents higher than last week, 25 cents higher than last month, and four cents more than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.72, which is four cents higher than last week, 32 cents higher than last month and two cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.62 average price is four cents more than last week, six cents more than last month, and 15 cents lower than a year ago today.

“According to Oil Price Information Service, the latest Energy Information Administration data is showing increased refinery production on the West Coast while gasoline inventories declined,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Gas prices are likely to increase further in the next few months as consumer fuel demand grows in the spring and summer months.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Feb. 29, averages are:

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Southern California

Triple A: SoCal Gas Prices Pause

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in Southern California is $4.64, which is the same as a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Local gas prices in most areas remained unchanged for the week after three straight weeks of price increases, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.64, which is the same as a week ago. The average national price is $3.27, which is one cent lower than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.80 per gallon, which is the same as last week, 14 cents higher than last month, and three cents lower than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.81, which is one cent more than last week, 23 cents higher than last month, and two cents lower than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.77, which is two cents higher than last week, 19 cents higher than last month, and two cents more than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.68, which is the same as last week, 30 cents higher than last month and four cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.58 average price is unchanged from last week, four cents lower than last month, and 14 cents lower than a year ago today.

“Although refinery maintenance continues to cause some production outages in Southern California, indications are that the regular unleaded gasoline supply is sufficient for now,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe.

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Feb. 22, averages are:

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Southern California

Heavy rain at times with flash flooding, landslides & mudflows

The storm will affect the area through Wednesday, bringing periods of moderate to heavy rain- potential for flooding, rock slides & mudslides

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NWS/KTLA 5 Live Radar screenshot February 19 at 11:00 AM

LOS ANGELES – As heavy rainfall hampered the President’s Day commuting traffic, around the Southern California region the latest storm system is bringing heavier precipitation and a more likely threat of flooding to Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Calabasas until 6:00 PM.

“Radar and automated rain gauges indicated light to moderate showers overspreading the warned area,” NWS said Monday morning. “Heavier showers will overspread the warned area throughout the day.”

The storm is expected to dump 2 to 5 inches of rain along the coastal areas and valleys of metro Los Angeles through Wednesday morning with higher totals in the foothills and mountains

The Los Angeles Times noted that compared with the historic storm that pummeled the region earlier this month, forecasters expect “much less rain” for Los Angeles County this time but warned that there are still concerns about the prospect for flooding, landslides and mudflows — particularly in the Santa Monica Mountains and Hollywood Hills — because of the soaking Southern California received from the previous storm.

KTLA 5 News is bringing current conditions up-to-date in its live updating here: (KTLA)

From KTLA:

The Emergency Operations Center in Los Angeles has activated “Level 2” preparedness to respond to the storm.

” Emergency crews remain ready to respond to the effects of the storm and potential of mud and debris flows, power outages and roadway obstructions,” city officials said.

Latest:

105 FREEWAY ON-RAMP CLOSURE

Related

A SigAlert has been issued for the Hawthorne Boulevard on-ramp to the eastbound 105 Freeway due to roadway flooding.

The closure will last for an unknown duration, CHP officials said on X, formerly Twitter.

L.A. COUNTY EVACUATION WARNING

An evacuation warning has been issued along Santa Maria Road north of Topanga Canyon Boulevard near Woodland Hills, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Lost Hills Station.

The warning, issued due to possible mud and debris flows in the area, began at 9 a.m. Monday and lasts through 9 a.m. Wednesday.

NWS Forecast: A strong storm will affect the area through Wednesday, bringing periods of moderate to heavy rain (2-5 inches of rain, except 4-8 inches in favored mountains and foothills), mountain snow (1-3 feet above 7500 feet), strong south to SE winds, potential for flooding, rock slides and mudslides, and possible power outages. The heaviest rain and most significant impacts will be tonight through Tuesday Stay safe: avoid low-lying areas and large waves at the coast, be prepared for coastal flood impacts Monday and Tuesday mornings. Monitor the latest weather forecast.

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Southern California

Significant rainfall moving into water-logged SoCal

The heaviest rain and most significant impacts will be Sunday night through Tuesday. Flood watches have been issued for much of the region

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NWS/Los Angeles Blade Graphic

OXNARD, Calif. – A strong storm will affect most of Southern California through Wednesday, bringing periods of moderate to heavy rain (2-5 inches of rain, except 4-8 inches in favored mountains and foothills), mountain snow (1-3 feet above 7500 feet), strong south to SE winds, potential for flooding, rock slides and mudslides, and possible power outages. The heaviest rain and most significant impacts will be Sunday night through Tuesday. 

Graphic by National Weather Service LA/Oxnard

Although the upcoming storm isn’t expected to bring the same amount of rainfall to Southern California as the previous one, NWS meteorologist David Gomberg told KLTA the storm still poses a threat.

“Even though the rainfall totals aren’t as significant as last week, we could see some fairly high-intensity rainfall,” he said. “That presents its own risk as well. Kind of a shorter duration, higher intensity with any potential thunderstorm activity, or just even heavier shower activity.”

Flood watches have been issued for much of the region.

Gomberg adds that the biggest concern for the region is that the soil in the ground is still very saturated.

“There hasn’t been enough time related to do much drying, so we are more vulnerable than normal,” Gomberg added. “It’s not going to take as much rain, in terms of amount or intensity to cause some additional issues.”

In the Los County region, the City of West Hollywood is urging residents to stay informed and use caution during continued heavy rains.

The heavy rains, which are currently forecasted to take place Sunday, February 18, 2024 through Wednesday, February 21, 2024. A National Weather Service flood watch is in effect for Los Angeles County from 4 p.m. on Sunday through 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

During heavy rains, stay prepared:

  • Keep emergency supplies, such as a flashlight, water, food, a first-aid kit, portable radio, and extra batteries on-hand and easily accessible.
  • Clear all drains and rain gutters on your property and dispose of all trash and yard trimmings properly to avoid blocking drains.
  • Know how to turn off utilities.
  • Monitor forecasts to be aware of weather that may impact the area.
  • Subscribe to receive Alert LA County emergency notifications by email or text message by signing up at https://ready.lacounty.gov/alerts and subscribe to Nixle public safety alerts by texting your ZIP code to 888-777.

As a reminder, driving in rain, whether a drizzle or a heavy downpour, can be dangerous. Rainy conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates. Adjust your driving style for wet roads and reduced visibility. The following tips will help ensure driving safely during rainy days: slow down; turn on headlights; use windshield wipers; maintain a safe distance; avoid heavy braking; watch for standing water; let off the accelerator when hydroplaning; and ventilate your car during rain.

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Southern California

Triple A: Gas prices continue upward for third week

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.64, which is five cents higher than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices are still rising this month as refineries in the area are conducting both planned and unexpected maintenance due to equipment breakdowns, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch.

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.64, which is five cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.28, which is 13 cents higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.80 per gallon, which is eight cents higher than last week, 17 cents higher than last month, and eight cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.80, which is six cents more than last week, 15 cents higher than last month, and eight cents more than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.75, which is five cents higher than last week, 10 cents higher than last month, and nine cents more than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.68, which is nine cents higher than last week, 21 cents higher than last month and nine cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.58 average price is two cents higher than last week, nine cents lower than last month, and six cents lower than a year ago today.

Casinos, like any other businesses, may be affected by changes in transportation costs. If a casino relies on goods and services that are transported by vehicles running on gasoline, increased gas prices could lead to higher operational costs for the casino.

“Southern California refineries are continuing to report planned and unplanned maintenance, which creates supply uncertainty and drives up prices at the pump,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Local gas prices tend to rise throughout most of the early months of the year, so drivers should make sure they are shopping around for the best pump price and economizing on fuel usage as much as possible by combining trips, driving the speed limit and avoiding sudden braking and ‘jackrabbit’ starts.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Feb. 15, averages are:

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