Finger fatigue awaits Valley phone users

What's your number? The answer may get a bit tricky and definitely longer if you live in the San Fernando Valley.  Under a plan recommended by an administrative judge, the Valley would be covered by two area codes: the 818 and the new 747 overlay code, according to the Daily News.

Starting in fall 2009, new phone lines in the Valley would get the 747 overlay if it receives final approval by the Public Utilities Commission. Current 818 customers get to keep their existing number and area code. But they will have to punch 1-818  even if they call next door. That's a pain -- on your fingertips -- and means customers will have to reprogram all those numbers stored in speed dial. But with the 818 expected to run out of available numbers within two years, and weak public response for splitting the valley into two separate codes, the only viable option is the overlay,  industry officials say.

If you want to blame someone about having to punch all those extra digits, you might as well take it out on the newcomers, said homeowners group president Gerald A. Silver:

"As massive numbers of new people move into the Valley into all these new high-rises, they are all demanding phone numbers."

-- Jesus Sanchez

Photo: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times