Advertisement

Maybe Just Call It by Its ZIP Code

Share

Taking control of one’s destiny is exhilarating for any new city, to be followed sometime thereafter by the certain headaches of governance. The cold light of day arrived oh so quickly for El Toro, which voted last week to become Lake Forest at year’s end.

City advocates were so caught up in the drive for independence that they didn’t give much thought to a companion measure that squeaked by. The result was that the new city will be called Lake Forest, after an existing planned community. Even among those who prefer the tonier new name--the old one is associated with a Marine base and a wonderful story of a padre’s prayer to stop a charging bull--there’s a feeling that local institutions, like schools, shouldn’t change appellation.

And there is the new postal address, a dilemma that could turn any toast to local control into flat champagne. The U.S. Postal Service has taken matters under advisement because of another Lake Forest, in Northern California. But, because Lake Forest (South) is incorporated, and Lake Forest (North) isn’t, the new city has a legitimate claim. The solution may lie in addressing mail as described, and in heeding the Postal Service’s advice on ZIP codes: Even those who stand by El Toro will have mail delivered, if the digits are right. (It’s 92630.) The moral: Have all the local say you like, but Uncle Sam is watching your numbers.

Advertisement
Advertisement