AREA CODE BATTLE HEATS UP\Don't split region, cities tell panel.

Byline: Dawn Yoshitake Daily News Staff Writer

In an effort to counter a move by nearly a dozen San Gabriel Valley cities seeking to retain the 818 area code, the city of San Fernando and the Valley Industry & Commerce Association are taking some action of their own.

Both are informing the state Public Utilities Commission that they do not want the proposed 626 area code for the San Fernando Valley.

As the 818 area code runs out of numbers, telephone companies have proposed splitting the region and assigning a new 626 number for Burbank, Glendale and the San Gabriel Valley. But Monterey Park, along with support letters from 10 nearby cities, has filed a complaint with the PUC over the area code plan.

San Fernando city officials will send a letter to PUC indicating a desire to stay in the 818 area code. When the mayor learned of the San Gabriel Valley's efforts, she wanted a letter drafted to the PUC, said Wilma Miller, city clerk.

Meanwhile, VICA's board voted earlier this week to notify the PUC of its strong support for maintaining the 818 area code in the Valley and stressing the importance of keeping Burbank and Glendale within the same area code, said Robert Scott, chairman of VICA's local issues committee.

"Splitting the area codes at this time would have the effect of Balkanizing the Valley, and disconnecting a promising relationship within our leading economic driver, the entertainment and multimedia industry," he said.

Scott said VICA is also considering filing a complaint with the PUC or intervening on the Monterey Park complaint.

But much of the San Fernando Valley is unaware of the efforts by the San Gabriel Valley.

"We haven't heard from the chambers, community groups or residents in terms of concern over the area code split," said Eric Rose, spokesman for Los Angeles Councilwoman Laura Chick.

He added Valley residents and business may not be aware of the San Gabriel Valley movement.

That was the case with the city of Calabasas and the United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley.

Charles Cate, Calabasas city manager, said the city council may consider taking some form of action if it appears the PUC will flip-flop the area codes for the two valleys.

And like Calabasas, United Chambers thought the Valley's retention of the 818 area code was virtually a "done deal."

"We sent a letter in support of Burbank and the Valley remaining in the 818 area code about a month ago, but the letter didn't specifically address Monterey Park," said chambers president Gary Thomas.

He added the organization will discuss possible strategies at its March 25 executive committee meeting.

"Since it's not over yet, we'll need to stay on top of it," he said.

The cities of Burbank and Glendale filed a complaint with the PUC earlier this month, indicating their desire to remain in the 818 area code.

The PUC has not yet set a hearing date to determine which valley will receive the 818 or 626 area code, said Richard Fish, a PUC senior engineer in the telecommunications branch.

He added letters sent to the PUC will be read by the commissioners but a formal complaint allows the sender to participate in the hearings and file testimonies.