Meeting Scheduled on Splitting Area Code

A public meeting to discuss the first split in the sprawling 805 area code since it was established 40 years ago is scheduled Thursday in Camarillo.

The California-Nevada Code Administration, an industry group that administers area code distribution, proposes splitting the area code on either a north-south or east-west basis.

Under the east-west option, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties would share the same area code, a plan favored by local officials.

Under the north-south option, most of Ventura and the north portion of Los Angeles counties would be placed in the same area code, while Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties would receive a different area code.

Which region will retain the 805 area code after the split and which will receive an unspecified new one remains undecided. The 805 area code is due to be partitioned in early 1999.

The California Public Utilities Commission will make a final decision on the specifics of the area code split later this year.

Increasing demand for phone numbers has caused the need for a new area code.

Details of the plans will be outlined, followed by a public comment period at the meeting.

The session will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at City Hall, 601 Carmen Drive.