Governor Declares State of Emergency in Response to Hurricane Rachel
California Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency on October 15, 2026, in Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties to support local recovery from Tropical Storm Rachel after the storm brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, dangerous surf, coastal erosion, flooding concerns, and roadway disruptions across Southern California.
The Governor’s proclamation makes state assistance available under the California Disaster Assistance Act and directs the California Department of Transportation to formally request federal assistance through the Federal Highway Administration for eligible repairs to storm-damaged highways and related infrastructure.
The state of emergency declaration automatically triggers anti-price gouging provisions and penalties found in California Penal Code Section 396 for Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties.
- Any consumer food items or goods, goods or services used for emergency cleanup, emergency supplies, medical supplies, home heating oil, building materials, housing, transportation, freight, and storage services, or gasoline or other motor fuels. - Pen. Code § 396 (b)
- Any repair or reconstruction services or any services used in emergency cleanup - Pen. Code § 396 (c)
- Hotel or motel - Pen. Code § 396 (d)
- Any rental housing with an initial lease term of no longer than one year, including, but not limited to, a space rented in a mobilehome park or campground - Pen. Code § 396 (e) & (f)
More Information
- State of Emergency Proclamation
- Price Gouging Information from California Office of Emergency Services
Please contact AAOC with any further questions at (714) 245-9500 or contact@aaoc.com.