1000 feet??????
What happened to
the other SIX THOUSAND or so feet of OCTA above that??? It was there last week.
If you put a plan into the system, TELL ATC that on first contact. Don't wait for them to ask about it. Also tell them "unfamiliar with area" or "first time here" and that should enhance your clearance. If knocked back, persist, ask what variation they can give you, such as vectors. It'll be far easier for them to control and direct you than to have you lost and bust CTA.
