High gas prices are forcing Southern California agencies to cut fuel spending

On the streets of Pasadena, a growing number of police officers are riding bikes or conducting foot patrols to deal with the rising cost of fuel caused by the war with Iran. Since the start of the war in late February, through April, Pasadena's fire department has seen a 39% increase in fuel spending. During the same period, the police department also saw a 38% spike in fuel spending. Police Chief Gene Harris said the department is using fewer cruisers in places like the Rose Bowl. Instead, it's turning to mounted patrols for enforcement. Harris said, "It's really important for us to try to find alternative ways to do things." CBS News California Investigates also obtained data from a variety of other Southern California cities. At City Hall in downtown Los Angeles, City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo said the city is projected to spend nearly $50 million on fuel this year. He added that LA is spending $6 million more on fuel this fiscal year than what was initially budgeted. The reason: the fire department's gasoline expenditure skyrocketed 52% between February and April. During the same stretch, the LAPD's spending increased by 27%. "The more we have to spend on higher fuel prices, the less we're able to spend on personnel, the fewer services that police and fire are able to deliver," Szabo said. The increase in costs for petroleum and petroleum-related products was felt almost immediately following the outbreak of the conflict, Szabo said. …