SAN DIEGO, April 23, 2009 – More than 10,000 San Diego residents are expected to attend the 20th annual Barbara E. Webb Diversity Works - Career Opportunity Exchange and the “We CARE” California Resource Fair at the San Diego Concourse Golden Hall today.

        The event is a collaboration among the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), Urban League of San Diego County and San Diego Workforce Partnership to inform San Diegans about career choices, education and training strategies and assistance programs available during these difficult economic times.

        The Urban League 20th Annual Barbara E. Webb Diversity Works - Career Opportunity Exchange gives local employers the opportunity to screen candidates for their upcoming employment opportunities. 

        “The Career Opportunity Exchange will provide attendees a networking venue as well as the tools for being successful in today’s difficult job market,” said Ray King, chief executive officer of the Urban League of San Diego County.  “We applaud the organizations participating today for their efforts in providing the much needed assistance to our community.”

        The CPUC and SDG&E’s We CARE California Resource Fair offers information on how families can save money on their utility bills, such as through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, which offers qualifying customers a 20-percent discount on their utility bill, as well as about programs from community-based organizations, telephone and water companies, financial assistance and counseling services.

        “SDG&E is focused on getting help quickly to the newly unemployed who have never been in this kind of financial situation and might never have had to ask for help in paying their bills,” said Michelle M. Mueller, vice president of customer operations at SDG&E.  “We want our community to know that we are here to help.”

        In addition, the San Diego Workforce Partnership will present a series of workshops and presentations titled, “Rethink. Retool. Take Control,” providing attendees with information on job-search techniques, financial literacy, free and low-cost education and training programs, and assistance services.

        “We must ensure that, when the economy recovers we have equipped San Diegans with the education, training and credentials needed to succeed and prosper in a new and expanding job market,” said Mark Cafferty, president and chief executive officer of the San Diego Workforce Partnership.  “We are not just preparing people to fill jobs today, but we are ensuring that they can thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.”

        Urban League of San Diego County’s mission is to assist African Americans and other underserved people in San Diego County to achieve social and economic equality through advocacy, bridge building, program services and research. For more information visit www.sandiego.urbanleague.us

        The San Diego Workforce Partnership is a non-profit employment and training organization committed to coordinating a comprehensive workforce development system that ensures a skilled and productive workforce and supports a healthy economy in the San Diego region. Visit www.sandiegoatwork.com or call (619) 228-2900 for more information.

        SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.4 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and more than 840,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties.  The utility’s area spans 4,100 square miles.  Exceptional customer service is a priority of SDG&E as it seeks to enhance the region’s quality of life.  SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.

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