Guzzling Less Gas: Gas prices are plunging!...

Guzzling Less Gas: Gas prices are plunging! Well, sort of. Prices fell 2 cents a gallon in California on Thursday, the biggest of three straight daily declines (D1). Still, if you want to conserve fuel, there are ways. Among them: Change your car’s sparkplugs, oil and filters; check emission-control devices; inspect hoses, wiring, belts, and check tire pressure and alignment. . . . Some drivers have another way to save, says Chatsworth dealer Dan McNally: They’re switching from premium to regular.

Caps and Gowns: Among the 293 diplomas handed out today at CalArts will be honorary degrees for multimedia artist Laurie Anderson, above, and jazz drummer Elvin Jones. Once known for antics such as costumes, nudity and hot-air balloons, the ceremony has been more subdued lately.

On The Web: The County Board of Supervisors entered cyberspace this week, a location that might be considerably cooler than the real world of impending budget cuts and possible layoffs. Situated on the Los Angeles County Home Page, the supes’ Web site includes a bio on each board member, agendas for meetings, and of course, lobbyist information. . . . The address is https://www.co.la.ca.us.

Playoff Time: It’s an important weekend for Valley-area sports teams, with playoffs being contested at several levels. . . . Cal Lutheran’s softball team is at the NCAA Division III West Regional in Iowa and CSUN’s baseball team is in a best-of-three series with Brigham Young in Provo, Utah, for the Western Athletic Conference championship. . . . Also upcoming: the community college Southern California baseball and softball regionals and high school playoffs (C8).