ZIP Code Mix-Ups Prove Costly

* Trying to justify denial of a ZIP Code for Oak Park, postal service spokeswoman Terri Bouffiou incorrectly compares our community with Porter Ranch. The latter is a neighborhood within the city of Los Angeles and within a ZIP Code that identifies it as part of Los Angeles. The request for a separate ZIP Code by residents of Porter Ranch is based on a desire to separate that area from neighboring areas because of an elitist belief that this will boost property values in Porter Ranch.

On the other hand, Oak Park is a Ventura County community within a ZIP Code that identifies it as part of Los Angeles County. Southern California Gas Co. will install earthquake shut-off valves only if we pay the higher Los Angeles County sales tax rates; the revenues will then be paid to Los Angeles County. Oak Park deeds have been recorded in Los Angeles County when valid deeds for property in this community must be recorded in Ventura County. Oak Park residents have been illegally summoned to jury duty in Los Angeles County. Gasoline taxes and vehicle registration fees generated by Oak Park automobiles--needed by Ventura County to repair Oak Park streets--have been diverted to Los Angeles County.

While disputed by some Pacific Bell managers, both top managers and service representatives of the telephone company have admitted that the ZIP Code has caused 911 calls to be misrouted, causing life-threatening delays in the dispatch of emergency services.

Unlike Porter Ranch, we do not seek any prestige in our request for a separate ZIP Code. Instead, we are trying to implement a permanent resolution of a problem created by the postal service (contrary to its own policies) that has cost us money and might cost a life. Congressman Brad Sherman must keep pushing.

DAVID E. ROSS

Oak Park