El Segundo OKs Cable Firm Rules

The El Segundo City Council has given final approval to a consumer protection ordinance designed to set standards for cable television service and ensure timely repairs are made by Paragon Cable, which has served the city since 1987.

Councilman Scot Dannen, a critic of Paragon service, said a history of problems has made an ordinance necessary. However, City Manager Ron Cano said he is not aware of “that many complaints,” though it would be useful if problems arise.

The measure’s requirements include having the cable company answer telephones within 30 seconds during business hours and maintain an emergency complaint line 24 hours a day. Compliance must be automatically monitored and a monthly report submitted to the city.

Paragon must maintain office hours as specified in the ordinance and is required to maintain adequate staff to repair major system malfunctions within 24 hours. The company may be fined up to $500 a day for violations.

Mark Mangiola, Paragon vice president and general manager, said the company already is meeting requirements of the ordinance, which is based on standards developed by the National Cable Television Assn. He said similar protections are in effect in Torrance, Gardena, Hawthorne and Lawndale, which are the other South Bay cities Paragon serves. The company has 5,000 El Segundo subscribers and is negotiating a 15-year extension of its franchise with the city.