The 909. 1992-2004
In 1992 the vast 714 area code covering all of Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties in southern California was split.  Orange County kept the 714 designation while Riverside and San Bernardino were assigned the new area code 909.   Suddenly this vast, amorphous space with the general, awkward name "Inland Empire" got borders and a point of common reference.
 
We are the 909.
 
Of course it became a source of sniggering derision from OC-ites, suddenly unburdened from any association with us.  Their scorn could flow freely.  (see ref: "Valley of the Dirt People").  That kernel of snobbery hardened when the OC itself split between 714 (north) and 949 (hoity-toity south).  Frankly the more we isolate those people, the better off the rest of us will be.  The funniest thing is how that ridiculous FOX show "The OC" accurately represents how OC people of a certain age acutally are.  In fact, I'd say the show doesn't quite give them the (lack of) credit they deserve.  I invite you to spend a weekend in Newport, the various Lagunas, Irvine, etc.  You'll see what I mean.
 
But now, as of tomorrow (July 17, 2004) the grand shape of the 909 will be obliterated by the imposition of the new area code for Riverside County (where I live), 951.  Too many people have moved here in too short a time (many, many OC refugees) to keep enough phone numbers available.
 
Let the identity crisis begin.  It's a fascinating anthropological point how something as ethereal as an area code can crystallize a community, but it's a fact of the cell-phone era, especially as the codes cover less and less actual area.
 
Now inevitably we will see ourselves as separate from our former cohorts in San Bernardino County.  And I'm not entirely happy with the new number.  Not only is it less lovely and symmetrical than 909, but it lacks that simply, palindromic structure that makes it so pleasing on the eye and to the ear.
 
951.  I guess I'll get used to it.
 
But the good news is that now we can make fun of those white trash slobs in the 909.  Hey look!  Another meth lab exploded!  Enjoy the NASCAR race, you rednecks!  Wahahahahaha!
 
Riverside County.  This is how we do things in the RC, bitch!
 
Free!  Freeeeee!
 
 
 
This post on the Narcissus Scale: 3.6
 
 
 
Pops



- posted by Pops @ 11:09 AM