OAK PARK : Beilenson Backs Bid for Area’s ZIP Code

After years of languishing in the dead letter file, Oak Park’s quest for a ZIP code of its own is getting a boost from Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson (D-Woodland Hills).

Beilenson will sponsor the community’s request that the U.S. Postal Service grant it a ZIP code of its own, or allow it to combine with the Thousand Oaks ZIP, Diane Kinzer Brown, the manager of Beilenson’s Thousand Oaks office, told members of the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council on Tuesday.

Oak Park, in eastern Ventura County, shares a ZIP code with the Los Angeles County community of Agoura Hills. Residents say the situation creates all kinds of confusion, such as mail-order companies that insist on charging the higher Los Angeles County sales tax and insurance companies that attempt to charge higher Los Angeles premiums.

Post office spokeswoman Stacia Crane said the ZIP code was created solely to help it deliver mail more efficiently and that the post office cannot be held responsible for companies that use ZIP codes for other purposes.

Crane said the post office has recognized Oak Park as a distinct community in Ventura County by assigning to it its own nine-digit ZIP code.

“You are Oak Park. You are unique. We have put you in our reference books. In our cross-referenced directories, you’re listed as Oak Park,” Crane said.

She said the 913 ZIP code region, which is served by the district post office in Van Nuys, has about 20 unused ZIP codes for the San Fernando Valley. But she said Oak Park is relatively small and may not qualify for its own number.

Her demurral frustrated council members.

“I don’t get from you a strong feeling of the concern that we have on this issue,” said member George Anterasian.