I wanted to update you on the wildfires impacting the greater Los Angeles area and our work to help Californians recover and rebuild.
I wanted to update you on the wildfires impacting the greater Los Angeles area and our work to help Californians recover and rebuild.
First, let me extend a huge THANK YOU to this grassroots team for coming together and raising nearly $25,000 for the California Fire Foundation over the last three days. Small-dollar donations to emails like this really added up and will directly support the ongoing firefighting efforts and those impacted.
Yesterday, I traveled to Los Angeles to see the extent of the damages firsthand and speak directly with impacted individuals, first responders, community leaders, and Angelenos, as our courageous firefighters keep working to contain the remaining fires.
Unfortunately during any natural disaster, some look at devastation and see dollar signs. I held a press conference yesterday to warn Californians about potential threats of exploitation, including:
- Price gouging by landlords and businesses such as hotels and short-term rentals who jack up prices during an emergency to profit off of other people’s pain. It’s against state law to increase prices by more than 10% of what it was before the emergency, and is punishable by up to a year in jail and up to $10,000 in fines. Suspected price gouging should be reported to local law enforcement or my office so we can hold bad actors accountable.
- Scams, including fake charity organizations or GoFundMe pages, that aim to take advantage of victims and/or people trying to provide aid to victims. Before donating, do your research to ensure your contribution goes to a legitimate charity you trust. Wildfire victims should be on alert for scams by those posing as contractors, insurance adjusters, government officials, relief organizations, or fire restoration services via phone, email, text, social media, and in person. Make sure to verify credentials, check licenses, be skeptical of demands for upfront payment, confirm authenticity through official channels, monitor your bank accounts, and report any fraud.
- Looting of evacuated homes and businesses. So far, at least 20 people have been arrested for suspected looting during this crisis. It’s wrong, it’s dangerous, and it’s unlawful.
Know that as we continue to address these wildfires, my office and I are working tirelessly to protect fire victims and others from this unlawful activity.
Californians are resilient, especially when we stand united. Together, we will get through this tragedy and we will rebuild and heal.
In solidarity,
Rob
PS — If you’d like to contribute to firefighting efforts and aid to wildfire victims, you can make a charitable contribution to the CA Fire Foundation here →
