GAS PRICES REACH BRAKING POINT SCV MOTORISTS TRIM TRIPS, FORGO THE CAR WASH.

Byline: CAROL ROCK Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA -- Drivers are spending a little more time planning their trips and cutting back on some luxuries -- including washing their cars -- to make up for rising gas prices.

Gary Beginian, owner of Crista Chevron in Valencia where regular unleaded gas sold for an eye-popping $3.32 a gallon Wednesday morning, said fewer customers are bringing their cars in for a wash since gas prices started climbing a month ago.

Prices throughout the valley ranged from $3.29 for regular unleaded at a Valencia Shell station to $3.45 at a Newhall station.

Some drivers said they've nearly reached their breaking point with the prices. College of the Canyons student Christina Dorso said when gas gets to $4 a gallon, even her economical Honda will be too much of a luxury to drive.

Katherine Silver, an instructional aide for the William S. Hart Union High School District, said she's dusting off her bicycle for the seven-mile round trip to work and school at the college.

``I'm not buying clothes and cutting back on groceries,'' added her colleague Donnell Jones.

``No more going out to dinner or taking weekend excursions,'' said fellow aide Heidi Moody. ``That isn't any fun.''

Those working in restaurants for minimum wage are finding additional incentives during the gas crunch.

``Even though my dad helps sometimes, I work extra hard for good tips to pay for gas,'' said Lacie Horwedel, a college student and server at Wolf Creek Brewery in Valencia.

Cindy Moore, a Saugus mother of four, said she's changed her daily routine. She tries not to drive more than she needs to and plans out trips to accomplish several things at once.

``Like today, I'm going to the bank and to the store after this,'' she said while her car was being dried. Her husband drives a company car, which helps keep his commute from denting the family budget.

``These prices are absurd,'' said Neely Borden, whose family of three is moving from Agua Dulce to Saugus to save money on gas and take advantage of the current housing marketing.

Retired teacher Trudy Hanzmann thinks twice about taking her car when she runs errands, choosing to ride the bus or walk.

``I coordinate my errands,'' the Valencia resident said. ``I love to walk and a bus pass only costs a dollar and it's good for two hours. I can go all over.''

Amy Demonbrun and Craig Abruzzo, who work at Sunshine Child Care, carpool to work and social events. Abruzzo, who drives the company bus that takes children on field trips, says it takes about $90 to fill.

``You have to shop around for better prices,'' said Valencia resident Claudio Balter, whose motor home tank takes about $140 to fill. ``We're also cutting back on the distance we travel. We like to take our RV to the beach once a month. We used to go to Monterey, but now we're probably going to only go as far as Ventura.''

Amy King-Zipp, a therapist in Valencia out for a day in the park with her toddler daughter, said she has cut back on her beach time as well as visits to family members who live two hours away.

``It's just what we have to do,'' she said.

carol.rock(at)dailynews.com

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