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The Looming Gas Crisis
in California Part 5
About our guest
Mike Ariza
United States Navy
1984 – 1989
Qualified as a Machinist Mate Petty Officer 2nd class
Chevron Oil Refinery Richmond
California
1989 – 1990
North Isomax Operator
Exxon
(Valero) Benicia Refinery
1990 – 2003
Senior Refinery Technician
“A” Complex Control Board Supervisor
Refinery Safety Committee Chairman
Environmental Controls Units SME
Flying J Refinery Bakersfield California
2003 – 2007
Refinery #1 Control Board Operator
California State University Chico
2015 – Present
Senior Plant Operating Engineer
About
Mike Ariza
I was born in Fairfield California on October 8, 1965. Raised in
Vacaville California graduating from Vacaville High School in June
of 1984. In July of 1984 I joined the United States Navy in the
delayed entry Nuclear Power program. While in the Navy I obtained
the rank of Machinist Mate petty officer 2nd class working in
engineering. I left the Navy to hire at the Chevron Richmond
Refinery in 1989.
At Chevron I qualified as an operator at the North Isomax (hydrocracker)
plant. I left Chevron in October of 1990 to work at the Exxon
Benicia Refinery. Built in 1969, The Exxon Refinery in Benicia was a
pioneer design. To this very day the former Exxon, now Valero
refinery has a unique complexity that still makes it the most
advanced and efficient refinery in the state of California. After 3
years I went into the Control Room to certify on the “A” complex
units. Within 5 years I obtained the highest non-management pay
level certification of senior refinery technician. And within the
same timeframe I completed qualifications as a Control Board
Supervisor for all 8 of the “A” Complex units. As an “A” control
Supervisor I was responsible for the safe operation of 8 major
refinery units at the same time.
“Ethanol: An
Examination of AB 30 and its Impact on California Gasoline
Prices…. Fact or Fiction?” This study
examines the impact of AB 30 which allows for the use of E15
ethanol gasoline in CA and its potential impact on supplies
and consumer prices. (January 1, 2026).
2025
“California’s Oil
and Gasoline Conundrum: A Blueprint to Address California’s
Gasoline Insecurity, High Prices and Avert More Pipeline &
Refinery Closures.” (December 1, 2025).
Mark
is the founder and President of The Perfect Portfolio and Author of
