September 20, 1995

The following is the text of a press release from the Governor's
Office today announcing the appointment of Josiah Neeper to the
Commission:



    Governor Pete Wilson today announced the appointment of
Josiah L. Neeper to the California Public Utilities Commission
(PUC).

    "Joe has been a distinguished attorney and active leader in
the San Diego community for many years," Wilson said.  "He will
bring an experienced and effective voice to the PUC and I'm
pleased he has agreed to serve Californians in this role."

    Neeper, 65, of San Diego, has been an attorney with Gray,
Cary, Ware & Friedenrich (formerly Gary, Cary, Ames, & Frye), a
San Diego law firm since 1960.  He was a partner from 1965 to
1993 and has been of counsel since 1993.

    Neeper has served as chair of the City of Los Angeles
Employee Relations Board since 1972.  He was an adjunct professor
of law at the University of San Diego from 1968 to 1987.

    Neeper's background also includes: general counsel to the
University of San Diego; general counsel to the Zoological
Society of San Diego; labor consultant and counsel to the Port of
San Diego; and labor consultant and special counsel to the City
of San Diego.

    Neeper is a member of the California State Bar Association
and the San Diego County Bar Association.

    He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from California
State University, San Diego in 1951 and an Ll.B. degree from the
University of California, Los Angeles School of Law in 1959.

    He will serve as one of five commissioners who set
regulations and rates for privately-owned gas, electric,
telephone, water and sewer system companies.

    Neeper will receive a salary of $88,062 reflecting a 13%
reduction as directed by the Governor.  This appointment is
subject to Senate confirmation.           ###