April 14, 2005

Street Talk by Carol Rosen

What do you think of the current gas prices? Do you remember the gas lines in the 1970s and do you think it could happen again? Will the high prices affect your vacation plans this summer?
(Asked at Almaden Center)

“Yes I remember the lines, but I don’t think it will come to that. I’m probably driving less now, but if I have to go someplace, I’m going to go. For vacation, we’ll probably fly more because it’s cheaper to fly to Los Angeles than to drive now. It cost me $45 to fill up my car the other day. I think the prices will hit $3 per gallon, but it won’t affect our driving all that much. I do think that gas prices in Almaden are higher than elsewhere. For example, the Chevron station across the street from Oakridge was $2.79 per gallon for premium, but at stations on Almaden Expressway, it’s $2.89 or even $2.99.”

Olga Mavrogenes, 44
Almaden
Homemaker

“Oh yes, I remember the gas lines, but it doesn’t seem feasible that people will line up this time, and you can bet nobody’s going to go out and buy a Cadillac. Prices have affected my daily activities in that I am limiting how many errands I do daily and weekly. We’re driving to Burbank this weekend, gas is part of the expense, but we’ll just cut back on other things. Most likely, prices will go up even more and then go back down again. They fluctuate so much, but it’s a part of life—the prices rise in the summer and at Christmas time and then fall during slack travel periods. Gas prices are higher in Almaden, but they always are higher where people are more affluent. I’m sure there are areas of South San Jose and Gilroy that are less.”

Michele Christensen, 42
Almaden
Artist

“Yes, I remember the gas lines, it’s possible they will return, but not at the moment. The rise in gas prices has made me plan trips better and keeps me shopping as locally as I can. I now do errands in one shot to be more efficient. The higher prices eat into a bit more of my profits, but I just have to accept it. I think the prices will go over $3 a gallon, but I doubt they will hit $4, it will be three something [before they start falling]. Prices in Almaden are just a few pennies to a nickel or dime higher per gallon than in other areas of San Jose or Santa Cruz.”

Omekar Park, 53
Santa Cruz
Carpenter/general contractor

“Yes, I remember the gas lines. But I don’t think it’s going to happen again because there’s not really a shortage. They’ve just inflated prices and it’s kind of ridiculous. I actually ride a bike all over, I don’t have a car!”

Tony del Zompo, 39
Santa Cruz
General contractor

“Yes, I remember the gas lines, but I don’t think it will happen again, because I don’t think this is a shortage. The price hasn’t affected me that much because I drive a small car. When we vacation, we usually fly. I think gas prices are headed to more than $3. I’ll still drive around because I have to. Hopefully it will affect people with gas-guzzlers. I’m not sure about the prices, but I know that as you go [north] up the Peninsula that gas prices get higher, the further you go the higher they get.”

Cait Neumeister, 50
Almaden
Realtor


“Yes, it is affecting me, I think it’s affecting everyone because everyone has to drive and prices are getting outrageous. I’m working part time right now and also looking for a job, but that’s hard to do because gas is so expensive. I’ve been doing a lot more walking. I keep hoping that gas prices will go down again, but I really think we haven’t hit the top yet, because the prices don’t seem to be showing any signs of falling. I think gas prices here are about the same as everywhere else in San Jose.’

Carole Gipstein, 51
Campbell / Banking


Yes, I remember the gas lines, but I hadn’t really thought too much about it. I am trying to drive less. I commute to work with my husband if possible and don’t run around as much as I used to. I don’t do mindless errands anymore—one at a time here or there—instead I consolidate them. We haven’t really taken any driving vacations lately, instead we have flown. I think gas prices will continue to rise, but I’ve heard different rumors, but I also don’t picture the prices going down any time soon. It seems like lots of people are in denial at the moment. Prices in Almaden definitely are higher because people pay for the convenience [of buying gas close by].”

Sandi Domingue, 36
Almaden
Transportation planner for a consulting firm

“We were just talking about the gas lines in my government class last night. We were discussing inflation and how the price actually was more expensive in the 70s compared to now. I hardly drive anymore, unless it’s for work and they pay for my gas. I carpool to school two days a week and organize my days so that I can drive more efficiently. My boyfriend and I used to travel a lot, but we’ve cut back. We may go over the hill to Santa Cruz, but that’s about it. However, we are planning a road trip this summer. My boyfriend is in a band and we’re talking about driving with all the band members in an RV to New York where the band will play this summer. To help out with gas prices, the band will play lots of places and use the money for gas for the RV, but we won’t do it if gas is more in comparison than they will make in one night. Gas prices are going up substantially. It scares me because I can’t afford it and I feel it’s not happening for a good reason. I’m considering a boycott or getting a hybrid, but those are expensive too. Gas prices are a dime lower in Campbell than they are in Almaden.”

Rene Marygold, 22
Campbell
Student and nanny to Almaden family