Sacramento’s top stories: Gas prices, school funding and fire weather

Californians are watching pump prices climb, school district finances raise legislative alarms and dry winds keep fire danger elevated across the Sacramento Valley. Here’s a rundown of the top stories from around the region.

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• California drivers are paying about 14 cents more per gallon than they were a week ago, a jump that runs counter to the usual seasonal pattern. Gas prices typically drop this time of year as stations switch to cheaper winter-blend fuel.

• A proposal spurred by Sacramento City Unified School District’s fiscal troubles could return to the state Capitol in January, aiming to address a mismatch between when districts need emergency loans and when the California Legislature is in session. The measure would seek to bridge that timing gap for districts facing cash crunches.

• A red flag warning remains in effect Monday for the Sacramento Valley, stretching from Redding south to the northern Sacramento metro area, as strong northerly winds keep fire risk elevated. Gusts up to 35 mph out of the north are possible, with the breeze pushing south toward Fresno. A cut-off low is bringing cooler temperatures and extra cloud cover to Northern California this week.