Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto made headlines this week when her office decided to file criminal charges against two individuals for allegedly violating the emergency curfew imposed during the California wildfires. According to the Office of the City Attorney, the curfew is part of the January 2025 Windstorm and Critical Fire Events measures and applies to specific zones in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Malibu, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Ethan Matthew Hayes and Christopher John Devcich are facing charges for blatantly being out on the streets of Pacific Palisades at 4:30 a.m., well under the time the curfew mandates residents to stay indoors. "This curfew order was enacted to protect public safety, prevent looting and burglaries, and enable our first responders to continue their herculean task of protecting our city and its residents," Feldstein Soto emphasized in her announcement. The defendants could be looking at fines up to $1,000, imprisonment for six months, or both.
The Office of City Attorney Feldstein Soto is also scrutinizing price gouging complaints that have surfaced in the wake to swiftly respond to the state of emergency declaration. California’s Penal Code Section 396 doesn't take kindly to those found increasing the price of essential goods and services past a certain threshold during times of crisis. Violations could result in a year of imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, or both, as well as civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation.
Feldstein Soto urges any Angelenos who suspect they have been victims of price gouging to immediately report the abuse. The City Attorney's Office has also joined forces to create the Joint Regional Fire Crimes Task Force, scaffolding yet another layer of protection and investigative prowess for the community. The task force is an ensemble of federal and local law enforcement agencies, each bringing their distinct expertise to the table to holistically address and prosecute wildfire-related crimes.
Residents and businesses affected by the wildfires or those looking for more information on assistance, recovery, and curfew regulations can find resources at the Los Angeles City Emergency Management Department's website.
