Clovis Mayor Drew Bessinger addressed price gouging and racism against the Asian community in a March 24 video released by the City of Clovis.
The Mayor praised city staff for their work responding to the coronavirus pandemic, but warned that the city will face hard times in the next few weeks as cases surge in the state and several local businesses remain closed because of the shelter in place order.
“I’m not going to sugar coat this, things are going to be difficult for a while, but by working together and taking care of each other, we can get through this,” Bessinger said.
He said there have been reports of price gouging in Clovis, which violates California state law. Under Penal Code section 396, raising the price of certain consumer goods by more than 10 percent during or after an emergency is illegal.
“There have been reports of price gouging in Clovis and in our region,” Bessinger said. “If you see it, please report it.”
You can report price gouging to the Clovis Police Department by calling (559) 621-7000.
Bessinger also addressed reports of racist acts committed against members of the southeast Asian community that are believed to be connected to the coronavirus pandemic. Both national and local media outlets have reported an increase in acts of racism committed against Asians in the wake of the crisis.
“We know in Clovis that there is never a time or place when that is permitted,” Bessinger said. “If you see it, do something, say something. This virus doesn’t discriminate, anybody can get sick from it.”