Area code 626 is a telephone area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), serving the majority of the San Gabriel Valley in California. It also includes nearby areas in the northeastern part of Los Angeles County. Established on June 14, 1997, after being split from area code 818, 626 covers key cities like Pasadena, West Covina, Arcadia, Monrovia, and El Monte.
History of Area Code 626
- Creation and Split: Area code 626 was introduced on June 14, 1997, as a result of the growing demand for new telephone numbers in the region. It was split from area code 818, which originally covered a much larger area.
- 988 Dialing Code Conflict: Prior to October 2021, area code 626 included the central office code 988. In 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated 988 as the nationwide dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This created a conflict for regions like 626 that still allowed seven-digit dialing. As a result, 626 transitioned to mandatory ten-digit dialing by October 24, 2021, to accommodate the new 988 Lifeline code.
Service Area of Area Code 626
Area code 626 spans a significant portion of the San Gabriel Valley and nearby areas, encompassing a mix of urban and suburban communities. Below is a detailed list of cities and communities within the 626 area code:
- Alhambra: Covers most of the city, with a small portion in the adjacent 213/323 area code.
- Altadena: Entirely within the 626 area code.
- Arcadia: Fully covered by 626, known for the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
- Avocado Heights: A smaller community entirely within 626.
- Azusa: Known for Azusa Pacific University, entirely covered by 626.
- Baldwin Park: Fully within 626, a significant residential area.
- Bassett: A smaller residential area completely within 626.
- Bradbury: A primarily residential area entirely within 626.
- Charter Oak: A smaller community entirely within 626.
- Citrus: Fully within 626, a residential area near Azusa.
- Covina: Mostly within 626, known for its historic downtown.
- Duarte: Fully covered by 626, home to the City of Hope National Medical Center.
- East Pasadena: Completely within 626, a suburban area.
- East San Gabriel: A smaller community entirely within 626.
- El Monte: One of the larger cities in the area, fully covered by 626.
- Glendora: Mostly within 626, with a small portion in the 909 area code.
- Hacienda Heights: Primarily in 626, with a small portion in the 562 area code.
- Industry: Mostly within 626, with small portions in the 562 and 909 area codes.
- Irwindale: Entirely within 626, known for its rock quarries.
- La Puente: Fully within 626, a densely populated suburban city.
- Mayflower Village: A small community entirely within 626.
- Monrovia: Fully within 626, known for its historic Old Town.
- Monterey Park: Shared with the 213/323 area code, this city is a significant hub for the Chinese-American community.
- North El Monte: Entirely within 626, a smaller residential area.
- Pasadena: Mostly within 626, though parts of the city also fall under the 213/323 area code. Pasadena is known for the Rose Bowl and the annual Tournament of Roses Parade.
- Rosemead: Primarily within 626, with a small portion in the 213/323 area code.
- Rowland Heights: Shared with the 909 and 562 area codes, it’s a largely residential community.
- San Gabriel: Fully within 626, known for its historic Mission San Gabriel Arcángel.
- San Marino: Entirely within 626, one of the wealthiest cities in the United States.
- Sierra Madre: A smaller, scenic city entirely within 626.
- South El Monte: Fully within 626, a small industrial and residential city.
- South Pasadena: Shared with the 213/323 area code, known for its small-town charm and historic buildings.
- South San Gabriel: Entirely within 626, a small residential area.
- South San Jose Hills: Fully within 626, a densely populated residential community.
- Temple City: Fully within 626, known for its family-friendly neighborhoods.
- Valinda: A small residential community entirely within 626.
- Vincent: A smaller residential area fully within 626.
- Walnut: Mostly within 626, with some parts in the 909 area code.
- West Covina: Primarily within 626, with a small portion in the 909 area code.
- West Puente Valley: A smaller community entirely within 626.
Importance of Area Code 626
Area code 626 is integral to the communication infrastructure of the San Gabriel Valley, supporting a diverse and densely populated region. The area includes both historical cities and modern suburbs, reflecting the cultural and economic diversity of Southern California.
Transition to Ten-Digit Dialing
The shift to ten-digit dialing in October 2021 was a significant change for residents and businesses in the 626 area code. This change was necessary to avoid conflicts with the new 988 dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, ensuring seamless communication while supporting critical mental health services.
Conclusion
Area code 626 plays a crucial role in the telecommunications network of the San Gabriel Valley, encompassing a wide range of communities from historic Pasadena to bustling West Covina. The transition to ten-digit dialing marks a significant adaptation in response to nationwide changes, ensuring that the area remains well-connected and prepared for the future.