Let us not forget > LAST YEAR IT WAS THE TOW COMPANY THIS YEAR THE MOTELS
NO Human Values Of Laws And Ethics DO WE WANT PEOPLE LIKE THAT IN OUR COMMUNITIES. kick you when you're devastated trash among us
San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office on Wednesday asking residents to contact them if they believed they were “a victim of price gouging as a result of the Bluecut fire.”
The county announcement said price gouging can include the offering for sale or offer for services at any increase more than 10 percent above the usual or advertised rates.
High Desert residents told the Daily Press that some local hotels were charging $300 or more for one room on Tuesday night, just a few hours after county officials called for the evacuation of more than 34,500 homes and some 82,000 people in Wrightwood, Oak Hills, Phelan and other portions of the Tri-Community area.
Several residents noticed online listings for hotels, including the two-star motel off Stoddard Wells Road in Victorville that was charging $299 for a room. The hotel’s offer was $240 more than Tripadvisor’s price on Wednesday.
A motel employee, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Press he had no information about the price increase and that his manager would answer all questions. The employee would not reveal the manager’s name and said he had no idea when they’d be in.
Other hotels, such as the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites and Springhill Suites by Marriott, both in Hesperia, were advertising rooms for over $240 on Tuesday. On Wednesday, prices at both hotels had dropped by nearly $70.
Employees at both Hesperia hotels said the company’s corporate office dictates the price structure, with local hotel staff following their lead.
The District Attorney’s office said price gouging is unlawful and can result in criminal or civil sanctions, with violators subject to criminal prosecution that can result in one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions, including civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, injunctive relief and mandatory restitution, the county said.
Residents who believe they are victims of price gouging should call the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit at 909-382-7748.