Plan for New South Bay Area Code Questioned

State officials came to the South Bay on Monday to gauge public opinion on plans to create a new telephone area code and heard comments and complaints that have become familiar every time a new area is proposed.

At a subdued hearing in Carson attended by about 50 people, speakers asked why the proposed area code--424--would be imposed on them instead of others. Some offered recommendations on how to avoid new codes in the future; one man suggested using the star key, rather than an area code, for new cell phones.

Many speakers appeared resigned to the change, but some remained unhappy. “It’s already costing me money,” said Forrest Mayo, a businessman from Redondo Beach. “I’ve already had 3,000 calendars made up.” I’ll have to change them at my own cost.”

Public Utilities Commission officials have yet to set a starting date for the plan which, as currently proposed, would affect most telephone numbers south of Imperial Highway from the coast to Crenshaw Boulevard.

Some speakers suggested that new area codes be created just for new technology, such as cell phones. Federal rules prohibit such codes, but some speakers called for pressuring the Federal Communications Commission to change the law.

“I think we have to push the FCC,” said Torrance Mayor Dee Hardison.

The PUC held another public meeting Monday evening in Redondo Beach. It will hold its final public hearing on the proposed area code change at 2 p.m. today at Culver City Hall Council Chambers, 9770 Culver Blvd., Culver City.