November 3, 1996
California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
re: Split of 408 area code.
Dear Sirs,
We understand that the 408 telephone area code needs to be split, and that two options are under consideration. One option is to divide the area along the Santa Clara county line, the other is to split San Jose along Hamilton and Pine Avenues. Even though this latter option has the advantage of meeting region's total phone needs for six years rather than just four, we in the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association would much prefer the former.
The Willow Glen Neighborhood Association represents approximately a thousand members in the Willow Glen district of San Jose. This is an established and cohesive community. While the dividing line for phone area codes is, for most non-phone purposes, only symbolic, we would nonetheless prefer an option that does not divide our (or anyone's) community. A division of the 408 area along Hamilton and Pine would nearly bisect Willow Glen, whereas a division along the Santa Clara county line would not affect any communities. Also, it is easier to remember in which city or county a friend lives, rather than remembering if he or she is north or south of a specific street.
We urge you to select the county line option for the current division, and to be sensitive to communities during the inevitable future divisions.
Thank you,
Lawrence Lowell Ames, President
cc: San Jose Mayor and City Council faxed 11/4/96, 9:30 AM
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors faxed 11/4/96, 9:45 AM
Pacific Bell Telephone Company
Willow Glen Neighborhood Association 408split.doc P. O. Box 7706 • San Jose, CA • 95150-7706 408.294.WGNA • 408.294.9462