City’s Bid to Avoid New Area Code Denied
Know the code: 949. It will replace 714 as the area code for many parts of Costa Mesa, effective April 1998.
A request by the City Council that Costa Mesa not be split into two area codes was denied by the Public Utilities Commission, said Kyle Divine, spokeswoman for the commission. The city still may file a formal appeal, she said.
“We will have to look at how this will impact our business community and our residential community,” said Vince Whelan, the city’s communications director. “It will be an uphill battle.”
Whelan said he will meet with the city manager and attorney in coming weeks to discuss whether the city should take formal action. The final decision rests with the City Council.
The PUC made its decision this month and has released the prefixes--the first three digits in a telephone number--that will be affected by the change. Those that will be in the new 949 area are: 515, 548, 574, 629, 631, 640, 642, 644, 645, 646, 650, 673, 675, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721, 722, 723, 729, 759 and 760.
Neighboring Newport Beach and Corona del Mar will also be in the 949 area.
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