United States v. City of Hesperia (C.D. Cal.)

On December 27, 2022, the court entered a consent order in United States v. City of Hesperia et al. (C.D. Cal.).

The supplemental complaint, filed on July 22, 2021, alleged that the City of Hesperia and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination against Black and Latinx individuals and communities in Hesperia, in violation of the Fair Housing Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, through the adoption and enforcement of a so-called “crime-free” rental housing program. The original complaint was filed on December 2, 2019, and an amended complaint was filed on September 10, 2020. The amended complaint added a Title VI claim against the City. The supplemental complaint added factual allegations concerning a rental housing law that the City adopted during the litigation.

As part of the case’s resolution, Hesperia has repealed its “crime-free” ordinance, modified the related rental housing business license ordinance, and reduced fees associated with rental housing business licenses. The Sheriff’s Department also has agreed to stop enforcement of Hesperia’s “crime-free” program.  Under the order, the defendants will spend $950,000 and commit to injunctive relief, including: a settlement fund of $670,000 to compensate individuals harmed by the program; the payment of $100,000 in civil penalties; affirmative marketing to promote fair housing in Hesperia; partnerships with community-based organizations; notifications to property managers, landlords, and owners of the changes to the ordinances and fee schedule; submission of certain policies, procedures, and ordinances for the United States’ review and approval; adoption of non-discrimination policies and complaint procedures; designation of civil rights coordinators; anti-discrimination training; a fair housing needs assessment; and reporting to the court and the United States during the order’s five-year term.

The case was referred to the Division after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development conducted an investigation and issued a charge of discrimination.

Press Release (12/14/2022)
Comunicado de prensa (14/12/2022)
Remarks of Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke (12/14/22)
Declaración de AAG Clarke (14/12/2022)
Press Release (12/2/2019)