To live and die in the 805

Who knew we were so attached to a random set of numbers?

After all, there’s nothing particularly special about 8-0-5. Those numerals, in that particular order, aren’t intrinsically better than, for example, 5-9-3 or 3-2-9 or 7-1-5, are they?

Except, here’s the thing: Recent news that the state Public Utilities Commission may assign our region a second telephone area code has unleashed our inner Mother Bear.

Our first reaction: How dare you mess with the 805! Those numbers are ours and ours alone. They are a badge of belonging, as much a part of our identity as overpriced real estate, occasional shark sightings and super-selective universities that regularly turn down students with perfect grade point averages and SAT scores.

Besides, we’ve got 805 beer to prove those numbers are ours!

But we’re not completely unreasonable. We understand why another area code is necessary. Our area code region, which covers San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, is running out of 805 numbers.

So, OK. Bring on another area code. But we don’t want it. Give it to Ventura. They’re practically part of L.A. anyway.

Or, at least let those of us who already have 805 area codes hang on to them.

You know, just give us a little reassurance, something like, “If you like your area code, you can keep it.”

Another idea: Introduce a cap and trade policy. For every 805 you hand out, require the recipient to find two 805ers willing to relinquish their digits.

But whatever you do, do not poke the Mother Bear. We are 805. We are strong. And we will not give up without a fight.

This story was originally published August 25, 2016 at 2:43 PM with the headline "To live and die in the 805."