El Centro seeks public’s support in cable spat
EL CENTRO — The El Centro City Council made an appeal Wednesday for the public’s written support in its dispute with Charter Spectrum over the cable provider’s cancelation of two local channels without proper notification.
Specifically, the council had asked during its regular meeting Wednesday that members of the public submit written statements via email or in person in support of the city’s e ort demanding Charter Spectrum reinstate the cancelled channels.
The loss of the two news channels is especially troublesome considering the need to inform the public in times of emergencies, such as wildfires and earthquakes, said Mayor Cheryl Viegas-Walker.
“Remember how critical it is for us to have real-time information,” she said.
The city is also asking that local residents reach out to their close acquaintances in other municipalities so that they can pressure their respective elected officials into also formally supporting the city’s efforts.
“Right now we’re standing alone in Imperial County,” said Councilman Jason Jackson. “If we can get the other cities to join, we would have more of a powerful voice.”
Viegas-Walker also had notified those present that she had also suggested to officials from other municipalities during her travels not to enter into any franchise deals with Spectrum in support of the city’s situation.
Similarly, local chambers of commerce have been advised not to spend any advertising dollars with the cable provider as well, Viegas-Walker said.
City attorney Betsy Martyn had provided the council and public with an update of the city’s latest actions in regards to the ongoing dispute with Spectrum, which to date has resulted in a False Claim Act complaint that four other similarly impacted cities have supported as well.
As part of the federal complaint, the city is working with attorneys from the Federal Communications Commission, Martyn said.
The city also recently filed a civil lawsuit against Charter Spectrum in the county Superior Court, seeking damages for the cable provider’s continued billing for the cancelled channels.
“The city manager’s office will be gathering all of your emails and comments and provide them to the FCC on or before April 16,” Martyn said.
To comment, individuals are encouraged to send a letter to the City of El Centro, attention of Clara Obeso, 1275 W. Main St., El Centro CA 92243, or to cobeso@cityofelcentro.org
On Wednesday, the city proclaimed April as Autism Awareness Month, and heard remarks from the public about the needs and desires of parents of children diagnosed with autism.
Currently, one in five boys is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, while one in 68 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, said James Gonzalez, Autism Support of Imperial County president.
“Just like any other children, we want them to be productive members of society,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez also encouraged the council to advocate for additional services in the Valley, which currently lacks behavioral health services for those diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.