The price gouging laws instituted after the Tubbs fire of 2017 are still in place, with penalties of up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
“We will not tolerate members of our community who have suffered from the ongoing disasters being further victimized by those who seek to take advantage of their predicament,” Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch said Thursday.
Ravitch said her office and will investigate and prosecute those that attempt to wrongfully profit from the destructive fires, and from the pandemic.
The price gouging restrictions that went into effect after the Tubbs fire had been extended through December 31, 2020 by an executive order iissued by the Governor prior to the most recent fires. In addition, a new Executive Order was issued on March 14, 2020 in response to the COVID pandemic, and adding protections for consumer goods related to the health crisis. It has also been extended through the end of the year.
Ravitch’s reminder comes two days after a new State of Emergency was declared regarding the Glass Fire. “(We) will prosecute those who try to take unfair advantage in these situations by price gouging,” she said.
Complaints can be made on the District Attorney’s website at http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/District-Attorney/, or by calling 707.565.2311.
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