Pump prices are much better than perceived by area reader
Q I think we are being had by the oil companies. The price of crude oil is much lower than it was a year ago. But the prices at the pump have not changed in months and months. Not one penny!
Usually, the price went down a few cents when we changed from summer gas to winter gas. That change did not occur this year. What’s up with that?
— G. FRANK Rogers,
Walnut Creek
A We are paying $3.18 in California, down from $3.61 this time a year ago. Prices may climb a tad as some people ignore stay-at-home pleas and travel over the holidays, burning more gas.
Experts say rising coronavirus cases will likely contribute toward less driving, leading to lower prices in January.
Also, remember we raised the state gas tax 12 cents a gallon and adjust it annually for inflation, negating the usual decline with the switch to the cheaper winter blend. Q
My wife and I have decided to move to Colorado early next year.
We currently have two FasTrak transponders. When we move, can we still keep one of the transponders and just update our account to reflect the new Colorado license plates? We will still travel back to California three to four times a year, and having the transponder will be useful.
We’ll likely drive Interstate 80 from California through Wyoming before going down I-25 into Colorado. We have done it before, but now doing so we may encounter inclement weather.
Rather than trying to piece together the weather forecast and driving conditions for each state along the route, is there a comprehensive site that does that?
So far, I haven’t found one.
Perhaps your knowledgeable readers have some helpful tips.
— Michael Hewitt,
Livermore
A You can keep FasTrak and to view current road conditions, use the AAA TripTik online, select your start and destination.
And good luck with the move.
Q If I remember right, there were blue Botts’ dots placed in the area of fire hydrants to help locate them in the darkness.
— Cllara Diaz, San Carlos
A Blue Botts’ dots are still used to help firefighters.
Q Here is a heads-up: Apparently, processing of handicap placards has been given a low priority. I applied for a placard in early August in preparation for full knee replacement surgery on Sept. 2.
I received my placard on Dec. 18, nearly five months later and well after the time I needed it. So, plan ahead.
— Steve Brock,
San Jose
A
Usually, it takes four weeks to do this by mail. I suggest walking into an office to speed up the process.