Weights and Measures Week

You’ve certainly heard about spring break week. Then there is Fleet Week, which comes to San Francisco each fall. People who love a tasty cold one, they like beer week, but have you ever heard of National Weights and Measures Week?

“It commemorates the signing of the first weights and measures law,” said Juan Hidalgo the Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner.

These laws are very important, according to Hidalgo.

“Nowadays people are really watching what they are spending,” said Hidalgo. “You want to get what you pay for and make sure you are not paying more than what you should. So really it is a consumer protection,” added Hidalgo.

Hidalgo and his team inspect grocery stores, electric and gas meters and mobile home parks, but it doesn’t stop there.

“We check all the gas stations in the county to make sure they are accurate,” said Hidalgo.

So if you have ever wondered if you are really getting what you pay for at the pump, Hidalgo says you can rest easy adding that his team have done at least 1,200 inspections in Santa Cruz County just this year.

For Hidalgo, this job and protecting consumers really is a dream come true.

“It feels good to know that you did something that ensures people receive what they are paying for,” said Hidalgo.

Next time you see someone fiddling with weights at your local grocery store or gas station they are likely making sure you get a fair price.