With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The 323 Area Code Is Running Out Of Numbers
Remember these old-school phones? (Photo by Esparta via via the Creative Commons on Flickr)
The 323 area code is running out of numbers, so make sure you get yours soon.The California Public Utilities Commission, the body that oversees area code management in the state, says that the 323 area code, which covers the central portion of Los Angeles (except downtown) and several adjacent cities will run out of prefixes by March of 2018. In order to accommodate the growing need for numbers, the 213 area code will be introduced to the 323's territory.
The 213 area code should be familiar to many since it's the oldest area code in L.A. and currently in use as downtown's area code. Ironically, the 323 area code was actually split from the 213 in 1998. The reintroduction of 213 into the 323 territory will begin in November of 2017.
Instead of actually splitting up the 323 territory, phone numbers with the 213 area code will just be issued instead. This is called an overlay and was what they did in 2006 when 424 was added to 310 and in 2009 when 747 was added to the 818.
In a world of mobile phones, the area code doesn't quite have the cachet it once did. But some of us like to keep things #classic. "I'm old school," one guy told KTLA. "I think 213 is the coolest."
Sponsor
The CPUC will be holding public meetings next week, from September 8-10, to inform the public about the rollout of the 213. Click here for more information.
At LAist, we focus on what matters to our community: clear, fair, and transparent reporting that helps you make decisions with confidence and keeps powerful institutions accountable.
Today, on Giving Tuesday, your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why on this Giving Tuesday, we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
Today, on Giving Tuesday, your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why on this Giving Tuesday, we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
