ADVISORY/CHP Announces Presentation for Certificate of Community Service.

News/Assignment Editors

ADVISORY...for Friday (July 27)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

SUBJECT: PRESENTATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE LOCATION: VENTURA
CHP OFFICE, 4656 VALENTINE ROAD, VENTURA DATE: JULY 27 AT 1 P.M.

The recipients are: Daniel De Caussin and Llewellyn Werner, both of Oxnard. Werner served as the California Secretary of the Business, Transportation, and Housing Agency under Governor Brown.

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On March 25, 2001, at approximately 7:55 p.m., Sandra Holbom, 41, was driving her 2000 Ford Mustang south on SR1 (Pacific Coast Highway) near Mugu Rock in Ventura County. Holbom lost control of her car and it left the roadway and careened down the steep cliff area adjacent to the west roadway edge of SR1. Upon impact with the large rocks at the foot of the cliff, it burst into flames. Werner immediately stopped his vehicle at the scene and flagged down De Caussin. Werner then climbed down the steep cliff area approximately 65 feet to the rocks and ocean below with De Caussin. Just prior to the arrival of these citizens, Holbom climbed through the rear window of her vehicle as it became fully engulfed in flames. At this time, Holbom lost her balance and fell into the ocean and was swept away by the large waves and crashing surf. De Caussin jumped into the ocean and pulled Holbom to the rocks where Werner was waiting to assist. Both men then carried Holbom, who had suffered a broken ankle and multiple contusions, to safety and assisted her until the arrival of emergency personnel, approximately 15 minutes later. Werner and De Caussin disregarded their own safety; had they not intervened, Holbom probably would have died.

The California Highway Patrol is a law enforcement and traffic safety agency reporting to Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Secretary Maria Contreras-Sweet and Governor Gray Davis.