LOS ANGELES, June 15, 2007 – Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) today was recognized by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with the Chairman’s Citation Award.  The award honors the outstanding efforts of businesses, clubs and organizations that have demonstrated their support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for at least three years.  

        Since 2002, Gas Company employees have raised nearly $200,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Greater Los Angeles chapter.  For the second year in a row, The Gas Company will serve as the title sponsor of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Light The Night” 5K walk, held at UCLA Sept. 16.  The evening event has participants carry illuminated red balloons while cancer survivors carry white balloons.  The light symbolizes hope.

        “The Gas Company is honored to receive this award and to sponsor the annual event,” said Hal Snyder, vice president of gas transmission and distribution for The Gas Company and chair of this year’s Light The Night walk.  “For one night, our community pulls together to carry the light of hope.  We want to put an end to these blood cancers and this is why we engage the community, our friends and families in Light The Night.  We encourage local businesses and others in our community to join us in taking these strides to save lives.”

        As the chair, Snyder will lead the local efforts for the Society’s annual fundraising walks which are held nationwide in the fall to raise funds for cancer research and patient services.

        "The Gas Company, through the efforts of Mr. Snyder, has been working to bring more attention to our efforts to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services by hosting executive breakfasts’ and other social events to secure additional support from companies around Los Angeles," said Lance Slaughter, executive director, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Greater Los Angeles Chapter.   

        Gas Company employees have started their fundraising efforts with a goal of collecting more than $50,000 this year for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Greater Los Angeles. 

        The Gas Company is the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 20.1 million consumers through 5.6 million meters.  The company’s service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles in most of central and Southern California.  The Gas Company strives to provide exceptional customer service to enhance the quality of life in the community.  The Gas Company is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE).  Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2006 revenues of nearly $12 billion.  To learn more, go to www.socalgas.com.


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