SAN PABLO, CA — Now when customers drive in for gas or a smog check, they can also purchase postage and postal products at the Texas Gas and Smog at 3363 San Pablo Dam Rd, San Pablo, CA 94803.

On Friday, July 8, 2016, at 11:00 AM, customers will be treated to a grand opening ceremony by store owner Mohamad Damra and postal officials when the gas and smog station becomes a Village Post Office (VPO).  Damra, owner of Texas Gas and Smog, is a U.S. Citizen of Middle Eastern descent and has lived in the United States for more than 35 years.

“San Pablo is a cozy community next to El Sobrante,” said Damra.  “Our customers represent several cultures, religions, races and economic backgrounds.  Since we have been here, we have been welcomed by all our customers and they really appreciate the upgrades to the gas station.  Texas Gas and Smog provides many services such as emissions testing, propane refill and exchange, water machine, bagged ice, EBT, and California Lottery and scratchers. We asked to become a Village Post Office to add one more convenience for our patrons.”

The store has convenient hours for postal customers because it is open seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.   It is closed only on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Customers are able to purchase Forever Stamps, drop off prepaid mail and packages and pick up Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes and envelopes.  The convenience for customers is that many VPOs offer expanded business hours, including Sundays and holidays.

Village Post Offices are normally located in non-Postal Service establishments — such as an existing community business, grocery stores and gas stations — and are run by someone other than an employee of the Postal Service.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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