The State - News from Aug. 14, 1986

A San Francisco telephone firm was hired by California Lottery commissioners to provide a winning lotto numbers hot line, despite complaints about the bidding process and about the firm’s sexually oriented call-in service. Four companies that lost in the bidding claimed that the winning Megaphone International Inc. will cost the public millions of dollars because of higher charges on calls. Assemblyman Steve Peace (D-Chula Vista) expressed concern over Megaphone’s Dial-a-Romance service, but lottery Commissioner John Price said the company’s fantasy recordings “are about as exciting as yesterday’s mashed potatoes to me.” Lottery Director Mark Michalko said he would resolve bid protests and bring the matter back to the board.