A state employees union accused the California Department of Transportation of ignoring a fire hazard. The fire marshal recommended a staff reduction six weeks after the warning was given. In response, nearly 650 employees were immediately relocated last week. Officials have now acknowledged deficiencies in the building and are planning to build a new headquarters to be completed by 2004.
See "Caltrans Accused of Putting Workers at Risk", HUGO MARTIN, Los Angeles Times, August 23, 2001