Gas Explosion

The headline on your article about an explosion in Lakewood (“Gas Co. Faults Dispatcher in Lakewood Home Blast,” Sept. 27) does not accurately characterize the remarks made by me at a press conference the day before. The subhead says I called the dispatcher “irresponsible.” Neither I nor any spokesperson at the gas company made that statement. The cause of the explosion is under investigation by appropriate authorities. What I did say, which was accurately portrayed in the body of the story, was that I did not believe our high standards for service or safety were met.

Additionally, the story noted that the dispatcher was undergoing testing for drug use. While this is accurate, it would have presented a more complete report to note that such drug testing is required by federal standards following a safety-related incident such as this one.

LEE K. HARRINGTON

Senior Vice President

Southern California Gas Co.

Los Angeles