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As California’s existential housing crisis only worsens, we all need to do our part to address it. Following the housing laws our state has put in place to safeguard renters, prospective and current homeowners, and the future of our communities is one fundamental, non-negotiable step forward.
As the People’s Attorney, I’m proud to enforce and uphold those laws.
This week, my office released five consumer alerts to advise tenants of their rights and protections, and alert property managers and landlords of their obligations. Additionally, we advised cities and counties of recently enacted state law that helps ensure equal access to housing without discrimination. Finally, we also supported the City of Eureka against a cynical effort to hamper climate-friendly housing projects that would benefit lower-income residents. We should be looking for any opportunity to forge new paths to tackling this crisis, not building barriers to good solutions.
In solidarity,
Rob
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Addressing California's Housing Crisis
 The housing crisis is among the largest, most urgent issues facing California. DOJ's Housing Justice Team is acting swiftly and fiercely to address this crisis. This week, we supported the City of Eureka in its defense of its affordable housing plan. My office also released five consumer alerts in 24 languages advising tenants of their rights, If you live in a rented home in California, you have rights and protections. I urge you to go through the accessible, easy-to-understand information in our consumer alerts, and learn about your tenant rights.
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Cracking Down on Illegal Robocalls
 Protecting consumers by stopping unwanted robocalls is an important bipartisan and nationwide effort. In addition to being a daily annoyance, robocalls can and do cause real financial damage, and have even been used to cause potential damage to the integrity of our voting process. That’s why this week, I issued a warning letter to a company alleged to have sent scam election robocalls that used artificial intelligence to impersonate the president and discourage voters from participating in the New Hampshire primary.
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Protecting Our Environment and Communities
 We are celebrating two major victories for environmental justice. Last Friday, my office secured the permanent conservation of nearly 1,300 acres of land in San Diego County that will support critical habitats and expand the existing wildlife refuge for generations to come. This week, the Biden Administration strengthened National Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), also known as soot pollution, which will support California and others in our efforts to reduce PM2.5 emissions. I am committed to fighting to protect the environment and health of our great state and its residents.
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Securing Accountability for the Opioid Epidemic
 Since the first wave of the opioid epidemic hit the United States in 2000, it has taken hundreds of thousands of lives, torn families apart, and eroded the social fabric of communities. My office has made historic strides forward in our fight for justice and relief for Californians hurt by the devastating opioid crisis, including by bringing billions in funding and resources to help heal our communities. To date, the California Department of Justice has secured nearly $50 billion in nationwide settlements and bankruptcies. I recently announced a $350 million national settlement with global marketing and communications firm Publicis Health, LLC, and an up to $150 million multistate agreement in principle with opioid manufacturer Hikma Pharmaceuticals, over their roles in the crisis. We will continue to hold accountable those who fueled this public health crisis, build on our efforts to heal our communities, and respond to this epidemic from all angles.
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Defending California's Gun Safety Laws
 This week, California regained a crucial tool in the fight against gun violence when we secured a decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that will allow California's life-saving ammunition laws to remain in effect as we continue to defend them in court. We have a long fight ahead, but today, we can breathe a bit easier knowing that our ammunition laws remain enforceable while we make our case in court and continue to defend laws to protect Californians from gun violence.
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Make a Difference at California DOJ
 Apply today to help DOJ protect the health, well-being, and public safety of Californians. Check out our featured jobs below and visit oag.ca.gov/careers for a full listing of available positions:
Deputy Attorney General IV, Appeals Writs and Trials
Deputy Attorney General IV, Criminal Prosecutions Unit
Graduate Legal Assistant, Appeals Writs and Trials
Deputy Attorney General Supervisor, Employment and Administrative Mandate
Deputy Attorney General III, Land Use and Conservation
Grant Program Manager, Grant Services Branch
Workday Support Consultant, Office of Human Resources
Research Data Supervisor, Research and Policy Branch
Program Technician III, FBI Response Section
External Affairs Specialist, Office of External Affairs
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Post of the Week
We’re supporting the City of Eureka in its defense against a legal challenge to its housing element.
This bogus lawsuit is just a cynical effort to hamper climate-friendly affordable housing projects.
We won’t tolerate it.
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FLASH BRIEFING
Attorney General Bonta Urges Congress to Offer Funding for Crime Victims
Attorney General Bonta Announces $2.1 Million Settlement Against Pomona Hospital for Medi-Cal Fraud
Attorney General Bonta Supports the Federal Trade Commission’s Efforts to Ban Hidden Fees Nationwide
Attorney General Bonta Issues Consumer Alert on Price Gouging Following State of Emergency Declaration in Southern California in Light of Powerful Winter Storm
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Video of the Week
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 This week, my office issued a tenants’ rights alert in 24 languages.
No matter who you are or what language you speak, if you rent in California, you have rights.
I urge all Californians to familiarize themselves with their tenant rights, and to seek immediate help if they believe their landlord is violating the law.
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Resource Corner
As our state recovers from a series of winter storms, I urge Californians to stay safe, care for their neighbors, and listen to guidance from state and local officials.
- Under California law, price gouging on housing, gas, food, and other essential supplies during a state of emergency is illegal.
- Sellers are prohibited from charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10%, the price they charged for an item before a state or local declaration of emergency.
If you see price gouging — or if you've been the victim of it — I encourage you to immediately file a complaint with my office online at oag.ca.gov/report or contact your local police department or sheriff’s office.
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