CITYWIDE — Time is running out for Santa Monicans to make local calls that won’t require having to dial an area code.
A circular has recently shown up in local mailboxes sent by phone carriers which explains to Santa Monicans the new dialing procedures that will begin in the city and surrounding areas starting Saturday, Dec. 31.
But fear not — phone customers will have nearly seven months before they’re required to dial 11 digits.
The new dialing procedures are the result of an overlay of the existing 310 area code that was approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in August.
The overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code. However, new telephone numbers added in the communities surrounding Malibu to Ranchos
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 29, 2005. Read the original PDF.