Q: I simply returned to the Bay Space after spending two weeks as a volunteer Nationwide Catastrophe Responder for the American Crimson Cross. Fort Myers, Florida, was simply starting to get well the weekend after Hurricane Ian hit.
Many fuel stations have been closed. When a fuel station was open, lengthy traces of vehicles waited to refill, similar to through the 1907’s fuel disaster.
Once we lastly bought to the pump, I used to be shocked to see the value was $3.04/gallon for normal. How is such an infinite fuel value disparity attainable between our two states?
Tammy Salwasser, Livermore
A: In accordance with AAA, the present statewide common value for a gallon of normal fuel is about $3.40 in Florida and simply over $6 in California. Are we being gouged right here? Sure. And there are different elements in play. Florida can get fuel from any refinery, whereas California is proscribed to a particular mix accessible from just a few refineries. Kudos to you, by the best way, for serving to with Hurricane Ian clean-up.
Q: I learn your piece concerning the shortage of alternative catalytic converters. There are alternate options to new Toyota elements.
I perceive that readers could also be fearful about many issues with such an answer, together with whether or not a alternative half that doesn't come immediately from Toyota could be nearly as good as a Toyota half, whether or not it will be good for the surroundings, and so forth.
I'm an engineer and know a few issues about numerous automobiles.
Maybe your readers would possibly examine various sources of catalytic converters.
Maybe, additionally, Governor Newsom would possibly grant a short lived waiver for a straight-through catalytic converter bypass, simply fabricated at any first rate store, in order that drivers might drive their vehicles whereas awaiting the Toyota elements.
Steve Stutman, Boston
A: Attention-grabbing concepts. As catalytic converter thefts proceed to skyrocket, I anticipate drivers will start to take a look at alternate options to Toyota and different automobile producers’ elements.
Q: Whereas driving spherical journey to Santa Barbara from San Jose, I noticed precisely one freeway patrol officer alongside Freeway 101.
Coming dwelling, I used to be angered by a tailgater as I attempted to go a giant rig. Additional up 101, I spent 20 minutes in a site visitors jam attributable to an accident and shortly noticed the tailgater’s automotive, utterly demolished.
Had that driver seen a cop automotive, they may have slowed down. Extra cops on patrol might save lives.
Tom Watts, San Jose
A: The Nationwide Freeway Transportation Security Administration additionally says that extra cops on the street might assist curb reckless driving.
Guess-the-price-of-gas contest
Predict the typical statewide value of fuel on Nov. 15 and you may win a free fill-up in your automotive, courtesy of Mr. Roadshow. The deadline is Nov. 1. Ship your entry with “Fuel contest” within the topic line to mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.