Steve Depa
by Dave Waddell
Chico landlords who price-gouge in the aftermath of the devastating Camp Fire will be in violation of an emergency ordinance passed unanimously today by the City Council.
Chico City Manager Mark Orme told the Council that “city staff received multiple reports of significant price increases on rentals and other goods and services” in the wake of the inferno that has annihilated Paradise and become the most destructive fire in California history. The Camp Fire has consumed more than 140,000 acres, destroyed 9,700 homes and left at least 63 people dead and in excess of 600 missing. More than 52,000 people were evacuated.
President Donald Trump is expected to visit the area and meet with survivors Saturday.
The regulations put in place today in Chico were described as using “best practice” rising from the Tubbs Fire last year in Santa Rosa, after which there were “reports that individuals were paying over $8,000 a month for a small three-bedroom home,” Orme reported to the Council.