So we have a dozen new channels (see post below) on Coast TV. Christmas present?

Yeah, right. “Effective January 1, 2009, Coast Communications will raise its monthly rates. Basic cable service for residential and commercial customers for the North Beach and Ocean Shores areas will increase to $49.95, plus the applicable tax rate of 3% for county residents and 6% for Ocean Shores residents. This increase will affect all Basic and Digital Basic customers. Essential Basic Service customers will see a small service rate increase to $27.95. Premium packages, including HBO, Showtime and Cinemax-Starz! will also see modest increases of $1.00 each.”

There is a “Public Hearing” on this issue tonight at 6:30 at the Convention Center, though it’s more of a gripe session, as Coast does not need approval, and the rate hike is apparently a fait accompli.

Feel free to weigh in with comments on this, and comparisons of local cable/Internet service vs. satellite.

Chloe Foster leads the cast (also featuring local vet Stacy Steele, veteran musician Jimmy Manolides and Kerry Haynes from the Connection) in a musical production of “Heidi,” tonight and Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Lions Club. Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for students. Children under 5 free. Tickets available at the Visitor Center. Call 581-7403 for more info.