Several Southern California district attorneys are pressing Governor Gavin Newsom to broaden price gouging safeguards for wildfire victims beyond Los Angeles County. They argue that extending these protections to neighboring counties impacted by the fires is crucial to prevent exploitation of displaced residents seeking temporary housing.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that an emergency declaration is necessary to enforce price gouging laws in affected counties outside of Los Angeles. He and other district attorneys, including those from Riverside, San Bernardino, and Santa Barbara counties, sent a letter to Newsom in late January requesting this extension but have yet to receive a response.
The district attorneys' letter highlights the need to protect vulnerable individuals who have lost their homes and are forced to relocate. They aim to prevent opportunistic individuals and businesses from taking advantage of the crisis by inflating prices for essential goods and services, particularly rental housing.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta previously affirmed his commitment to prosecuting price gouging cases related to the wildfires. He emphasized holding accountable those who attempt to profit from the misfortune of others.
While Newsom issued an executive order in January providing temporary housing assistance and price gouging protections for Los Angeles County, the district attorneys contend that surrounding areas also require these safeguards. They argue that extending the protections would enable them to effectively prosecute those who exploit wildfire victims.
Currently, price gouging protections in California are activated during a declared state of emergency and prohibit raising prices by more than 10% compared to pre-crisis levels. Newsom's recent executive order extended these protections in Los Angeles County until March 8 and broadened their scope to include leases of any length. The DAs are pushing for similar protections in their respective counties.
This call for extended price gouging protections follows recent charges against a second California real estate agent accused of exploiting wildfire victims. Attorney General Bonta announced charges against the unnamed agent for allegedly attempting to overcharge a family displaced by the Eaton Fire.
