“805” has become synonymous with the South and Central Coast. However, it appears a new area code is coming to the region.
805 serves most of Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties as well as small portions of Monterey and Kern Counties. But, prefixes for the 805 are expected to run out by June 2018. So, the California Public Utilities Commission has started the process to introduce a new area code. This overlay would allow customers to keep 805, but new customers would be assigned a new area code.
It’s disappointing for some long-time residents like Robert Rogers of Camarillo.
“It’s kind of ingrained in us. We’ve had it for a long time,” he said.
Others, like Robert Bell also of Camarillo, say it’s no big deal.
“Really doesn’t mean a whole heck of a lot,” he said.
Public meetings are being held Monday at the Oxnard City Council Chambers at 2 pm and the Eastside Branch Library in Santa Barbara at 7 pm. There’s also one Tuesday at the San Luis Obispo City Council Chambers at 11 a.m.