Consumer Advocates

On Nov. 4, The Times reported the closing of the Los Angeles/Orange County Better Business Bureau.

The article left the impression that, with the demise of the bureau, consumers would have nowhere to turn for assistance. It failed to mention the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs, a resource to which Los Angeles County residents have been turning for information and assistance in resolving consumer disputes since 1976.

From a headquarters office in the Los Angeles County Civic Center, and from part-time branch offices located throughout the county, the department each year provides consumer counseling and consumer information services to more than 70,000 county residents and investigates and mediates over 3,000 consumer complaints.

In 1982, a Small Claims Court Advisor service was established and currently provides counseling and information to over 6,000 litigants and potential litigants each month.

SHIRLEY GOLDINGER

Director, Consumer Affairs

Los Angeles County