For the first time in a little more than six years, the South Coast saw $3 gas on Tuesday morning in Goleta.
The discounted gas was offered until 1 p.m. during a recent campaign stop for California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton.
California voters will decide between Hilton and Democratic governor candidate Xavier Becerra in the November general election.
Starting at 10 a.m., the first 150 visitors to the Fuel Depot at 370 Storke Road were offered up to 12 gallons of regular gas for almost half off, drawing a long line of motorists down the street and into nearby neighborhoods.
Campaign staff and volunteers coordinated the Tuesday morning frenzy by moving drivers in and out of the gas pumps, while others handed out T-shirts in support of the Republican candidate.
On the street, idling drivers blocked the bike lane as volunteers kept the line orderly and passed out numbers marking motorists’ place in line.
Hilton initiated the change at the pump with the help of John Price, the owner of Fuel Depot and Point Markets across the South Coast.
Hilton’s campaign paid most of the cost difference to achieve the $3 price tag during Tuesday’s stop, while Price provided the location, which opened in 2024 and is the biggest Fuel Depot in the area, he told Noozhawk.
Price said the Hilton campaign first reached out to him about a month ago, but the event was set up last week. Price donated $750 to Hilton’s campaign, according to documents submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office.
Some motorists started showing up as early as 8 a.m. to wait in line, according to Price.
Maria Ramirez was driver No. 6 with her GMC Terrain SUV and secured a spot in line near the pumps, motivated by the rare opportunity of $3 gas. She usually spends about $100 a week on gas, she told Noozhawk.
“The prices (are) going up, and it’s ridiculous because people can’t afford it,” she said.
She said she had not heard of Hilton before Tuesday.
“I haven’t studied him yet,” she said.
Farther down Storke Road, Christy Lozano and her bright red Toyota Tacoma arrived around 9:20 a.m., claiming a spot as one of the first dozen motorists in line. She did not anticipate a long line, she told Noozhawk.
She said she liked that Hilton was doing something about the high gas prices across the state, which at that Fuel Depot is usually $5.897 for unleaded gas.
“If he’s willing to give us $3 gas today, what can he do for us in the future?” she said.
Even farther down the line, waiting on Phelps Road, adjacent to the post office, was motorist Tom Schaeffer, who was in the 42nd spot in line.
“I’ll have to look into (him) more, but this is definitely a step in the right direction,” he said.
For his Toyota Tacoma, 12 gallons of gas gets him a little less than three-quarters of a tank, he told Noozhawk.
The motorists also told Noozhawk that they would like to see other gubernatorial candidates take similar actions as Hilton.
The promotion was part of Hilton’s campaign promise to bring down gas prices across the state. He said he would do so by reducing taxes and eliminating state laws that he claims increase the cost of gas.
Hilton, a British American, hosted Fox News’ commentary show “The Next Level” from 2017 to 2023. He also served as director of strategy for British Prime Minister David Cameron from 2010 to 2012.
Becerra is a former member of the House of Representatives and served as the 25th secretary of Health & Human Services under President Joe Biden.
In what he called a “preview” of his term, Hilton told reporters Tuesday that as governor, he would work to lower the cost of gas to a target price of $3.
Hilton was at the gas station shortly after 10 a.m., where he rushed from pump to pump, insisting on helping motorists fill their vehicles while talking to the press.
“This is our first taste of $3 gas,” Hilton said. “We’re doing this all over the state. If you want $3 gas in your community, let us know and we’ll come there and deliver $3 gas even before the election.”
There was some confusion at first as motorists tried to pay at the pump but were later directed to pay inside.
Some people, hoping to talk to Hilton, also experienced delays because the pumps timed out 30 seconds after they lifted the nozzle and chose the gas type.
Dressed in a T-shirt reading “$3 gas is on me,” Hilton criticized Democratic state leadership and gas taxes.
While Hilton did not say he would eliminate all gas taxes, he advocated for lowering them to be comparable to other states.
If elected, Hilton said he would push to use California’s local oil supply to offset the state’s high gas prices, which he blamed on importing oil.
“As long as we are using California oil and gas, let’s use California oil and gas instead of shipping it in from halfway around the world,” Hilton said. “It’s crazy what’s happening now.”
Noozhawk reporters also attempted to ask Hilton about how his administration would approach Sable Offshore Corp. oil and gas production in Santa Barbara County, but he deferred the question before walking away.
Experts seem doubtful that the United States could refine enough crude oil to meet its own needs anytime soon.
Much of the oil the United States produces is light, sweet crude oil, according to news and industry reports. About 70% of the country’s refineries are set up to process heavy, sour crude oil, according to the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers.
In addition to lowering gas prices, Hilton’s campaign claims he wants to expand the California Highway Patrol into a full police force, eliminate the Department of Motor Vehicles, support small businesses, fund schools and establish an Office of Fun and Freedom.
California residents will be able to cast their votes for governor in the Nov. 3 election. The Santa Barbara County Elections Office will begin mailing ballots to registered voters in October.
