SOUTHLAND : 5-Cent Gas Tax Goes Into Effect

California’s new gasoline tax went into effect today, drawing resigned grumbles from most motorists as nearly 12,000 service stations across the state adjusted their tank meters and began collecting an extra nickel for each gallon of gas they sold.

Spot reports from service stations and dealer associations throughout Southern California and the rest of the state indicated that although a few drivers were unaware of the increased gas costs--approved by state voters in a June ballot initiative--most pulled up to the pumps prepared to pay more.

“This was a well-prepped public,” said Stephen Shelton, executive director of the Southern California Service Station Assn. “As far as we’ve heard, there was no panic buying.”