Spanish news release

Media Contact: Mashi Nyssen, (626) 302-2255

IRWINDALE, Calif., Oct. 4, 2013 — Southern California Edison (SCE) today hosted its third annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, honoring Latino businesses, community leaders and non-profit organizations for their contributions to environmental conservation, cultural enrichment and corporate diversity within the SCE service territory.

The “Celebrating Business & Community Partnerships” event held at the utility’s Energy Education Center in Irwindale recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit of Hispanic business owners and the measurable success of business customers enrolled in energy-saving programs that conserve energy and emit less pollutants. The event was attended by more than 300 people, including elected officials, community leaders, business owners, SCE employees and executives.

“This event salutes and celebrates the importance of Hispanic contributions to Southern California, and recognizes the importance of incorporating diversity into all aspects of our business,” said Lisa Cagnolatti, SCE’s vice president, Business Customer Division. “Today’s celebration also recognizes the accomplishments of Hispanic businesses, community partners and suppliers who have successfully participated in various SCE energy and supplier diversity programs.”

SCE recognized Los Altos Food Products Inc. and Bodega Latina (Dba El Super) as this year’s Business Customer Energy Efficiency Participation Award winners. These customers have achieved significant energy savings of nearly one-million kilowatt hours through upgraded technologies including lighting, motors and the addition of solar generation.

A special Community Partnership Award was presented to AltaMed Health Services Corporation, one of Southern California’s leading nonprofit health care systems. The corporation’s team of multicultural and bilingual physicians and healthcare professionals deliver superior care through 40-plus accredited sites and an affiliated Independent Practice Association of contracted physicians in Los Angeles and Orange counties. 

For the first time during SCE’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, a First Responder award category was presented to Luis Hernandez of the Los Angeles County Bomberos Association. This non-profit organization of firefighters is dedicated to improving the quality of emergency response, and provides support through training, donations and scholarships to local communities, youth and educating firefighters in Latin America. SCE’s strong commitment to safety practices for its employees and customers in the diverse communities it serves led to the inception of this award.

In addition, Ron Litzinger, SCE president, and Veronica Gutierrez, SCE vice president, Local Public Affairs, spoke at the event, highlighting the strength of diversity at the company. The event was keynoted by Tony Plana, actor, writer and director, teacher and co-founder and artistic director of East L.A. Classic Theatre.

About Southern California Edison

An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of nearly 14 million via 4.9 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.