$2,000 Reward Offer Renewed

Greg Banks, Rapid Cable’s long-suffering local manager, reports that the system’s Bakersfield channels feed failed in mid-April.

"We bought a new microwave transmitter and microwave receiver. Those channels are now back on the air," he reported, then added that "our system has been vandalized; the feed for our L.A. channels from a different mountain top has had lines cut and a locked enclosure pried into and equipment damaged."

Banks says his crew is working to upgrade the system, "and to correct all issues that our customers have."

Reports have been filed with the Kern County Sheriff’s substation, but "no action has been taken," Banks wrote in an email. "I guess cable television and Internet service is not high on their priority list."

Lead Deputy Kevin George said the issue is under active investigation and invites anyone who has information to come forward.

A $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the vandal/s has been offered to help put an end to the harassment.

"I just wanted you to know that Rapid Communications is working on the problems daily," Banks said, "but issues such as vandalism are out of our control. All of our customers are very important to us and we are working hard to resolve their issues."

This is part of the April 25, 2008 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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