Community Corner
Gas Prices Fall, Lake Elsinore Residents Still Feel Pain At The Pump
Lake Elsinore residents are still paying more for gas than ever before while state lawmakers seek ways to relieve the cost of fueling up.
LAKE ELSINORE, CA —The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County dropped Wednesday for the 14th time in 15 days, decreasing 1.3 cents to $5.76.
As of Wednesday morning, the cheapest gas in Lake Elsinore fell to $5.39 per gallon, cash price, at the Lake Elsinore Costco. Nearby, the Orange Street and Bundy Canyon Road ARCO station is also selling regular gasoline at $5.49 per gallon, according to www.GasBuddy.com.
The average price has dropped 21.3 cents over the past 15 days, including 2 cents Tuesday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It dropped 12 consecutive days, was unchanged Monday and resumed dropping Tuesday.
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It's not enough, according to state lawmakers, who are attempting to pass the California Gas Rebate, as proposed by California State Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). "We know too many Californians are struggling to make ends meet right now," Petrie-Norris said during last month's news conference. "We are here to offer help; we are here to deliver solutions."
Now known as Assembly Bill 1616, the proposed rebate would draw from the $9 billion of the state's budget surplus to send a one-time rebate to every California taxpayer – regardless of whether or not they own a car.
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Individual filers would be eligible for $400. Joint filers would be eligible for $800.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine sent gas prices skyrocketing across the country, causing prices to soar even higher in the Golden State. California's average price for a gallon of gas reached $5.90 at the end of March but has since declined to $5.77 per gallon on average across the Golden State as of Monday, according to AAA.
The run of dropping prices follows a 36-day streak of increases totaling $1.27 that pushed the average price to a record $5.97 March 29.
The average price is 9.5 cents less than one week ago but 3.6 cents more than one month ago and $1.84 higher than one year ago.
What would the California Gas Rebate do for your family? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or by emailing your Patch editor.
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