Gas prices are down like the economy

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular
gasoline in Los Angeles County declined today for the 33rd time in 34 days,
dropping four-tenths of a cent to $2.841. The average price is 2.2 cents
less than a week ago, 17.8 cents less than a month ago and $1.569 less than a
year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.
The average price fell 31 consecutive days, rose two-tenths of a cent
Wednesday, then declined two-tenths of a cent Thursday.
The Orange County average price declined today for the 18th time in 19
days, falling three-tenths of a cent to $2.832, 2.1 cents less than a week ago,
18.1 cents less than a month ago and $1.526 less than a year ago.
However, slight price increases nationally over the past two days are
"probably not a good sign for Southern California prices decreases to
continue," said Automobile Club of Southern California spokesman Jeffrey
Spring, "but this could be a plateau, rather than the start of another price
spike."
"Crude oil prices have risen on the world market, but demand remains
flat and supply is plentiful," Spring said.

THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE

The Economy and the Weather both Hot as Hell

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Southland once again will bake under sizzling
temperatures today, with the region's heat wave showing no clear sign of
dissipating.
The National Weather Service forecast highs today in the low 100s in the
San Fernando, Santa Clarita, San Gabriel and Pomona valleys and the mountains
of Los Angeles County, other than the Santa Monica range.
Because the humidity level -- now at the 20-30 percent level -- is
expected to make the heat particularly uncomfortable in the mountains, an
excessive heat warning will be in effect for mountain areas until at least 8
tonight.
"The combination of temperature and humidity will create dangerously
hot conditions, with heat index values climbing to 100 degrees or more" in
mountain regions, according to an NWS advisory.
The heat index is a measure of discomfort based on humidity and heat,
which could peak at 105 in mountain areas today, forecasters said.
The Antelope Valley is expected to experience highs of 108 today. On
Tuesday, the mercury climbed to 107 in Lancaster, setting a record for a July
21, besting the one set in 2006, when the temperature in the city reached 106.
How much longer the heat wave will last was not certain this morning as
meteorologists struggled to forecast the departure of a strong upper-level high-
pressure system that has been parked over the West for several days.
One computer model indicates that it will push eastward starting Monday
or Tuesday, but another one shows the system staying put, said meteorologist
Jamie Meyer in a telephone interview from the NWS office in Oxnard.
In any event, we will not see "a whole lot of change anytime soon,"
she said.
The NWS forecast highs today of 74 in Avalon; 75 at Newport Beach; 76 at
LAX; 85 in Long Beach; 88 in Anaheim; 89 in downtown L.A.; 90 on Mount
Wilson; 93 in San Gabriel; 94 in Burbank; 96 in Pasadena; 102 in Woodland
Hills; 104 in Newhall; and 106 in Palmdale and Lancaster.

THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE

Unemployed Workers may be getting better Benefits

The House of Representatives passed a veto-proof bill to give unemployed workers extra benefits.

However, the bill is expected to fail in the Senate and President Bush would likely use his veto power.

The bill proposes to eliminate working 20 weeks before receiving compensation.

The bill would also give an additional 13 weeks of benefit to all unemployed workers.

And in states with an unemployment rate higher than six--like California-- would receive an additional 13 weeks of benefits.

California Congressman George Miller says unemployed workers are trying their hardest to find a job.

Miller says unemployed workers are looking for jobs, looking for work, some have tried to retrain and they still haven’t been able to secure their employment because of the market.

Miller also says the government needs to extend the unemployment benefits to unemployed families so they can hold themselves together.

Opponents of the bill say the proposal mainly benefits more populous states where unemployment is highest.

Many Republicans say the Democrat backed bill is a ploy for election votes in November.

Republicans say they have to choose between extending unemployment or supporting President Bush’s position.

Senator John McCain is in favor of supporting unemployment benefits.

The bill plans to run through March of 2009 and would pay out close to twelve Billion dollars.
The unemployment rate is five point five percent, its highest since 1986.

Summer Heat needs to Cool Off

Southern California Edison is asking consumers to conserve energy.

As summer heat hits the Southland, many people are using their air conditioners too much for too long.

And, Edison says an blackout is possible.

Southern California Edison is recommending people to set their thermostats above 78 degrees.

Also to use fans over the a-c, turning off unused appliances, closing drapes, and shutting off lights when leaving a room.

Edison is also launching a Summer Discount Program.

The program allows Edison to automatically turn off people’s air conditioners during a power emergency.

In exchange- users of the program would receive 200-hundred dollars off their utility bills.
So far about 292-thousand customers have agreed to do the program.