Record-Breaking Gas Prices Keeping Drivers Closer to Home
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COACHELLA VALLEY- Business Owners in downtown Palm Springs credit high gas prices for weekend boost. Video by kmir6.com
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COACHELLA VALLEY- Drivers are suffering from record-high prices at the pump this Labor Day, but that doesn't mean local businesses are taking a hit too.
Business owners say the high gas prices across Southern California could actually be boosting the economy here in the desert because Southern Californian's are staying closer to home when they travel.
"Instead of driving to Las Vegas they come here," said Laura Walsh, the owner of Cocky Cactus store in downtown Palm Springs.
Kenny Kim said he might have gone to Las Vegas from Los Angeles if it weren't for the gas prices. Instead, he spent the weekend in Palm Springs.
"This is not that far. It's like 100 miles from LA. That's why we decided to come over," said Kim.
Across the Inland Empire, the average price of gasoline is $4.14. That's up from last year's Labor Day record price of $3.93. Analyst blame the fire at the Chevron refinery in Northern California for the high gas prices.
- Jessica Flores, KMIR6 News
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