Part of San Gabriel Valley Has New Area Code: 626
- Share via
Just when San Gabriel Valley residents thought they had enough numbers to memorize, officials have dreamed up another one: a new telephone area code.
Starting Saturday, some residents and business users with the 818 code had their local telephone prefix changed to 626.
The new code applies to the cities of South Pasadena, Alhambra, Monterey Park, El Monte, La Puente, Covina, Glendora, Azusa, Monrovia, Sierra Madre, Mount Waterman, most of Pasadena and a small section of Glendale.
San Gabriel Valley customers with area codes 213, 909 and 562 will not be affected.
An eight-month “get-acquainted” period will help callers get used to the switch. During that time, customers can dial either 818 or 626 to complete calls, officials with the California Public Utilities Commission said.
Beginning in February and for six months thereafter, callers who use the incorrect area code will hear a recorded reminder to redial.
Area code 818 will continue to serve the San Fernando Valley, including Burbank, most of Glendale and the communities of La Canada Flintridge and La Crescenta.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
