By Redaccion
Reeaccion@latinocc.com
As thousands of Los Angeles County residents seek temporary or permanent housing after the devastation caused by the Palisades and Eaton Fires, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is warning the public to watch out for price gouging on essential goods, services, and housing.
On January 7, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties due to the widespread damage from the fires. Under California Penal Code Section 396, it is illegal during a state of emergency for sellers to raise prices of essential goods, such as food, fuel, medical supplies, and lodging, by more than 10%, unless the increase is due to legitimate cost hikes. The law also protects residents from unjustified rent increases or evictions during the emergency period. Violating these provisions can lead to fines of up to $10,000 and jail time of up to one year.
“Price gouging during an emergency is not just illegal; it’s an unconscionable act that exploits those already suffering,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We urge anyone who suspects price gouging to report it immediately so we can investigate and hold offenders accountable.”
How to Report Price Gouging
Residents who suspect price gouging can report it to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office by emailing DAOpricegouging@ventura.org.
To assist with the investigation, reports should include the following information:
• Name, address, and contact information of the business or seller
• Details about the product or service in question
• The price of the product or service before January 7, 2025
• The price of the product or service after January 7, 2025
• Additional details that may aid in the investigation
• Contact information for the reporting individual
It’s important to note that not all high prices qualify as price gouging. The law requires a comparison between the price before and after the state of emergency declaration. For example, newly listed properties with high prices as of January 8, 2025, may not meet the legal criteria for price gouging. Residents are encouraged to keep this distinction in mind when filing complaints.
For more information on California’s price gouging laws, visit the California Attorney General’s website.
