I want to weigh in on the proposed addition of a new area code to the Valley. Yes, 747 would be alongside the famous 818. There’s nothing definite yet, but it’ll happen after the obligatory hearings. There’s been a minor outcry from public officials as well as ordinary citizens about the proposed change. How dare they mess with what has become virtually a cultural icon (818, that is) they say. The 818 has become something besides just three numbers. It has been in films and TV to identify the other part of L.A. the Valley, that is. And usually it is used to make fun of the perceived lack of culture here. “That’s so 818,” they’ll say. But you can’t fight change and progress, such as it is. There are nearly 2 million people here. So let’s embrace the 747 area code. Seven-forty-seven could be thought of as a great tribute to the aerospace history of the Valley. It’ll be totally positive instead of lovably negative like our current 818. But for our business community, the new area code should be put in as an overlay where only new users hooking up would get the number rather than splitting the area codes between existing users. This is less costly. Business Journal Editor Jason Schaff can be reached at (818) 316-3125 or at [email protected] .