BANK, UTILITY, CIVIC LEADERS DISCUSS Y2K.

Byline: Krystn Shrieve Staff Writer

Local officials issued assurances Friday that residents and businesses will be able to turn on their lights, fill their gas tanks, turn on their faucets, call a friend and withdraw cash without fear of any Y2K problems.

Representatives from City Hall, Pacific Bell, Southern California Edison, Wells Fargo and Chevron outlined for the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce how their organizations have prepared for - and hope to prevent - computer glitches caused by the year 2000.

Glen Becerra, spokesman for Southern California Edison, said the utility spent $72 million and hired 500 staff members to ensure that everything is ready for the millennium.

``On New Year's Eve, people will be partying,'' Becerra said. ``On their way home they might run into a power pole which will take down the power, but we'll be prepared. The last thing we want to see is people panicking over something that might be completely unrelated to Y2K.

``Our services will be working long after the clock strikes midnight,'' he said.

Chevron spokesman Rod Spackman predicted no problems for customers who need gasoline on or after New Year's Day.

``The refinery will operate,'' Spackman asked. ``We may reduce the load, but we don't see any problems with the pipelines and we're comfortable that we'll be able to get it to our customers.''

Steven Hafen, a senior vice president division manager with Wells Fargo Bank, doesn't anticipate problems at any of its 6,000 automated teller machines or 6,000 branches, where 65,000 staffers use personal computers.

``Ours is one of the most regulated businesses by the government,'' Hafen said. ``We have had quarterly reviews and as of June 1999 were required to be ready. We are compliant, have tested and our ATMs are already running on dates beyond the year 2000.''

Hafen said Wells Fargo has spent $300 million to prepare for 2000. As the new year approaches, ATMs will be stocked and the branches will be open and staffed in anticipation of an increased demand for cash.

``The best advice I can give is to keep copies of your statements, records and transactions,'' Hafen said. ``We don't anticipate a problem, but if there is, these things will help you get back up to speed.''

Steve Elam, the city's director of general services, said his staff began preparing for Y2K three years ago. His team looked at the city's computers, and formed an interdepartmental committee to check into the city's emergency response system, water, sewer and traffic lights.

``The city feels confident that all of these systems such as 911, traffic and water have been tested and are compliant,'' Elam said. ``Now we are working on contingency plans and giving the public information it will need.''

Informational packets will be provided to residents in their water bills next month and will be available at City Hall. On Oct. 14, the city will host a Y2K scenario to simulate what types of problems might occur - and how to solve them.

The city also will host an informational meeting Nov. 10 in the council chambers along with all key service providers in the area.

``We want to reassure people that they shouldn't panic,'' Elam said. ``They should take any normal precautions, just as they would for an earthquake.''

Michael Carney, spokesman for Pacific Bell, said when callers pick up their telephone Jan. 1, the network will be ready. All wireless and Internet systems are also ready to go, he said.

``We have spent about $200 million on this issue and are well-prepared to usher in the new year,'' Carney said. ``We expect a large number of calls the way we do every New Year's, Christmas and Mother's Day. You may experience a fast busy signal, but that's OK. Don't panic. Just realize that it's temporary, try again and you'll get through.''