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California Gas Prices Are on the Rise. Who's to Blame?

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Los Angeles, CA - March 03: Jacob Moreno, 26, from Downtown Los Angeles puts back a nozzle after pumping gas at the Chevron gas station on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose today to its highest amount since Nov. 29, increasing 2.4 cents to $4.724. (Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The war on Iran opened up yet another opportunity for Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump to play the blame game — this time, over the soaring cost of gasoline in California and across the country.

Scott, Marisa and Guy break down how the debate is playing out politically and what’s driving the state’s rising fuel costs. They also discuss Proposition 1, Newsom’s sweeping behavioral health initiative aimed at addressing homelessness and mental illness. Nearly two years after voters narrowly approved the measure, critics say progress toward opening new treatment beds has been slow.

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