In response to storms and flooding last month, Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday proclaimed a state of emergency that covers most of the Central Valley. Brown’s declaration activates the state’s anti-price gouging law, which bans rent increases exceeding 10 percent while a state of emergency is in effect. The declaration was issued for Amador, Fresno, Kern, Mariposa, Merced, Stanislaus, Tulare, and Tuolumne counties.