LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) announced today that it is donating $50,000 to the American Red Cross in support of relief efforts for victims of the Southern California wildfires. The American Red Cross is providing shelter, clothing and other essentials for people displaced by the fires in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Orange and Riverside counties.
In announcing the donation, Dr. Ray R. Irani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Oxy is very concerned about the toll these recent fires have taken on communities in Southern California, where many of our employees live and work. Our contribution to the Red Cross is to assist in its important efforts to aid those contending with the fires and their aftermath."
Oxy is the largest natural gas producer and third largest oil producer in California, as well as the largest oil producer in Texas. During the past year, Oxy has donated more than $300,000 for American Red Cross disaster relief in both states.
About Oxy
Occidental Petroleum Corporation is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the United States, Middle East/North Africa and Latin America regions. Oxy is the fourth largest U.S. oil and gas company, based on equity market capitalization. Oxy's wholly owned subsidiary, OxyChem, manufactures and markets chlor-alkali products and vinyls. Occidental is committed to safeguarding the environment, protecting the safety and health of employees and neighboring communities and upholding high standards of social responsibility in all of the company's worldwide operations.
American Red Cross Information
For more information on how to assist the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles, please visit their web site at www.redcrossla.org