Grunge music and flannel shirts ruled. Bill Clinton was poised to begin his presidency, much to the delight of up-and-coming interns everywhere. Kevin Costner's demise began with "The Bodyguard."

And San Antonio switched area codes.

In November 1992, Southwestern Bell -- now known as AT&T -- converted the entire San Antonio area from the 512 area code to the newer -- and sleeker -- 210. Austin, despite being a much smaller city, kept the 512 area code. This happened not because of Austin's state capital capitol status, but because Austinites -- needing something to protest -- boycotted the “so corporate” 210 area code.

So San Antonians were given six months to make arrangements -- i.e. reprogramming speed-dial lists, switching mobile numbers, altering business cards, stocking up on canned goods and bottled water. And despite a number of early complaints, San Antonians eventually came to embrace their new area code.

That now-established area code -- coupled with the city in which it operates -- was the inspiration for the name 210SA.

Clint Hale, L.A. Lorek