LOS ANGELES COUNTY - News from Jan. 22, 1987

Richard D. Farman was named vice chairman of Southern California Gas, the nation’s largest gas utility. He replaces Charles Parker, who resigned late last year. The company said Parker returned to the consulting business.

Farman, 51, has been president of Pacific Lighting Energy Systems, a subsidiary of the gas company’s parent firm, Los Angeles-based Pacific Lighting. The unit develops and operates energy plants. He also oversaw the integration of the recently acquired Thrifty drug store chain into Pacific Lighting.

As vice chairman, Farman will oversee gas company operations in the areas of gas supply, transmission and storage, engineering and research, regulatory issues and public affairs. His new assignment takes effect Feb. 1.

A company spokeswoman said Parker’s resignation took effect Dec. 31 but hadn’t been announced. The company described it as a voluntary departure so that Parker could pursue “personal goals” in the management consulting field.

The gas company also named Roy M. Rawlings, 41, as vice president of regulatory affairs, putting him in charge of liaison with the California Public Utilities Commission. Rawlings had been assistant to vice president Fred John, who was recently promoted to senior vice president of Pacific Interstate Co., another unit of the parent firm.