United Chambers of Commerce hosts State of the County Luncheon

Studio City, CA – The United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley Region hosted their annual State of the City Luncheon on Wednesday, July 26th 2017 at the Sportsmen’s Lodge Events Center in Studio City. The event included a presentation and discussion with special guests Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Supervisor Sheila Kuhl. Two employees of SoCal Gas, Hector Rocha and Jeff Catton, received a certificate of recognition for swift and responsible actions that saved the lives of a local family minutes before their home was destroyed in an explosion caused by a gas leak.

State of the County Discussion

The event centered around a discussion between City Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Sheila Kuhl. The Supervisors engaged in a lively yet civil discussion on a range of topics, including:

• How to ensure the San Fernando Valley receives its fair share of transportation funding, and how to address the drop in ridership across Metro’s bus lines.
• An increase in homelessness across the City and region, despite increased focus on the issue.
• How to address public safety concerns while simultaneously providing providing programs for rehabilitation, given several State propositions that send LA County additional inmates from the State.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger has represented the Los Angeles County’s 5th Supervisorial District since assuming office in December 2016. Supervisor Barger began her career in public service as a college student intern in the office of Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and rose to become his Chief Deputy Supervisor in 2001, where she served until her election to the Board this past November.
During the course of her County career as chief policy advisor on Health, Mental Health, Social Service and Children’s issues, Kathryn provided leadership to deliver efficient and effective services and programs that have significantly improved the quality of life for foster children, seniors, veterans, the disabled and the mentally ill.

Supervisor Sheila Kuhl has represented Los Angeles County’s 3rd Supervisorial District since assuming office in December 2014. Since then, she has undertaken or collaborated in a number of initiatives and motions to improve quality of life and reform systems in the County, including increasing the minimum wage, creating a Sheriff’s Oversight Commission, providing unprecedented funding and services for our homeless population and those trying to find and keep affordable housing. Supervisor Kuehl served eight years in the State Senate and six years in the State Assembly. Supervisor Kuehl graduated from Harvard Law School in 1978.

Recognizing SoCalGas Employees

Two employees of SoCal Gas, Hector Rocha and Jeff Catton, received a certificate of recognition for swift and responsible actions that saved the lives of a local family minutes before their home was destroyed in an explosion caused by a gas leak. The leak occurred when an independent contractor digging on a residential property struck a gas line with a shovel. The residents called the Gas Company straight away. CSR Rocha advised the residents to leave the house immediately, and dispatched Canoga District Energy Technician Jeff Catton to attend at the scene.

Following safety protocols, Catton advised the homeowners to vacate the property. Moments after they moved away from the house, an explosion occurred that set of a blaze on the property. Thanks to Rocha’s and Catton’s swift and decisive actions, nobody was injured.

The State of the City Luncheon was sponsored by: Providence Health Services, California State University of Northridge, Comcast NBCUniversal, the Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce, SoCal Gas, Southland Regional Association of Realtors, Valley Community Healthcare, Van Nuys Los Angeles World Airports.