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Important, handy, and possibly insane things to pack in your car for local travel
Emergency Money (in case you run out of gas, need an ace cream cone, or want a squished penny from one of those ridiculous machines)
Blanket: can be used for a mat at the beach or to snuggle with your loved one while you sit on your car looking at the stars (or smog)
Energy Bar: Especially handy for those who become extremely grumpy when hungry. The sign that reads "Next stop 50 miles" will not cause such an outrage if you can temporarily subdue your hunger. Will also be good for your passengers.
Maps: Were we planning on going to Canada?
Packets of salt, pepper, catsup, etc: There's nothing worse than saltless french fries. Say you've gotten food-to-go and the restaurant was lacking in the condiment-area. No worries, just keep a little supply of condiments in your trunk.
Silverware: for eating messy things. Either pick up some free plastic silverware at your favorite fast-food or carryout restaurant, or you can pick up some sets from REI or Chinatown in SF or Oakland.
Extra Oil: for your car, not for food. Also keep a small supply of any other fuels you might need, especially if your car has a leak.
Jumper cables: better to bring your own than have to borrow them from Creepy-Ned, the one-armed toothless man who pulls over to help your broken-down self.
One-time use toothbrushes: because you never know when you'll need them.
Matches: in case you need to burn things (I am not advocating arson).
At least two extra sweaters: Say you and a friend decide to go adventuring, not knowing that by the ocean it is 15 degrees cooler. Suddenly your tanktop seems like a bad idea. By keeping two extra sweatshirts in your car, you can keep warm and look like a hero when you pull one out for your friend.
Sunscreen and a hat: because skin cancer is not fun.
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