California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert warning of price gouging during the state of emergency as extreme heat scorches the state.
The state’s top attorney encourages residents to be proactive about protecting themselves and their health during the heat wave by limiting their time outside, staying hydrated, and knowing about the signs of heat stroke.
The city of Chula Vista offers Cool Zones at the following locations:
– Norman Park Senior Center, 270 F Street, Tuesday-Friday 8 am-5 pm; Saturday 8 am-1 pm, and this year the Center will open on Labor Day, Sept. 5, 8 am-5 pm.
– Little ones can cool off at the splash pads at Stylus Park, 2025 Stylus Street, and Mountain Hawk Park, 1475 Lake Crest Drive, which are open every day of the week.
– The Chula Vista Public Library will be open on the following days/times:
- Civic Center Branch, 365 F Street, Tuesday–Thursday 10 am-8 pm; Friday–Saturday 10 am-5 pm; Sunday 1-5 pm; Closed Labor Day Monday.
- South Branch, 389 Orange Avenue, will be open Tuesday-Thursday 10 am-8 pm; Friday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, and Sunday 1-5 pm; closed Labor Day Monday.
- Otay Ranch Branch, 2015 Birch Road is open Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-7 pm and Sunday 12 -6 pm; closed Labor Day Monday.
“Going into Labor Day weekend, Californians across the state are bracing for brutal temperatures that will strain the electricity grid and threaten public health,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Many may seek to prepare by purchasing backup generators and air conditioning units. That’s not an excuse for businesses to jack up their prices.”
Sellers are prohibited to exceed 10 percent of the price of an item before a state or local declaration of emergency, according to California law. For any item a seller only began selling after an emergency declaration, the law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds the seller's cost of the item by more than 50%.
According to Bonta’s office, this law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, and gasoline. The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, certain transportation services, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and rental housing.
Report price gouging at oag.ca.gov/report and to local authorities. For additional information on price gouging, please see oag.ca.gov/consumers/pricegougingduringdisasters.
