Two-dollar gas has been found in Los Gatos, a radio announcer proclaimed last week. He didn't name the station, but he described it well enough that all but the colorblind could figure it out. "You don't want to go to that station," the DJ added. It's a wild guess, but this cat guesses that radio station won't be selling any ads to them in the near future.
The Prowler found gas for $2.05 at the Chevron at the corner of Los Gatos Boulevard and Blossom Hill Road. Elsewhere in town, it was $1.99, but not a penny more. That was for the full-serve, supreme stuff. Next week, $2 gas may be the norm. However, gas still costs less than a gallon of milk, a jar of instant coffee or a box of Kix.
The gas crunch certainly makes one consider whether that trip to the mall, the concert or the beach is necessary. And whether the Prowler can borrow the mate's car.
While the Prowler is only paying about two more dollars per tank, what of the trucker who was already investing big bucks to keep his wheels on the road hauling lettuce, stereo parts or kitty chow? You know he's going to have to recoup the costs somewhere. Maybe we'd better start hoarding coffee and Kix.
Santa Clara County Transit is pushing a new Try Transit campaign. In view of the price jump and his limited income, one of the Prowler's housemates has decided to do just that. He plans to bike and bus to West Valley College from San Jose. Last time he tried it, the 20-minute car trip took an hour by bus. However, he is confident that adding the bicycle component will help shorten the trip. If nothing else, the bus serves as a rolling study hall.
Having already graduated, the Prowler will stick to the gas-guzzling automobile for the time being. Judging by the traffic on the road, most folks have come to the same conclusion.
This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, May 8, 1996.
©1996 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved