Media Advisory: LA County Supervisors Kuehl and Barger to Honor SoCalGas Employees for Role in Protecting Public Safety During Woodland Hills Explosion

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: Los Angeles County Supervisors Sheila Kuehl and Kathryn Barger will honor two SoCalGas employees for their part in ensuring the safety of a Woodland Hills couple last month. This recognition coincides with SoCalGas' advertising campaign currently reaching thousands of Southern Californians, which aims to increase public awareness of safety issues surrounding natural gas.

BACKGROUND: On June 19th, SoCalGas employees Hector Rocha and Jeff Catton responded to a call from a couple in Woodland Hills who suspected a gas leak caused by a contractor hired to do plumbing repairs at their home. Following SoCalGas policy, Customer Service Representative Hector Rocha advised the residents to exit the home immediately, then called Dispatch to send a crew. Energy Technician Jeff Catton arrived on scene within minutes. Catton followed policy and parked a safe distance from the home. Trying to get his attention, the couple followed him. Moments after the couple moved away from their home, there was an explosion followed by a fire. No one was injured in the incident.

WHEN: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 - 1:00 p.m. Recognition will be given during a State of the County meeting by the United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley

WHO: Los Angeles County Supervisors Sheila Kuehl, Third District, and Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Fifth District, will honor Jeff Catton, SoCalGas Energy Technician, and Hector Rocha, SoCalGas Customer Service Representative.

WHERE:Sportsmen's Lodge Events Center,12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604