We regret to report some off-the-field losses as well as those on the field at the ASA “C” Nationals in Stockton, CA.
The city of Stockton and host Radisson Hotel proved less than hospitable to teams and their players, with at least three separate incidents of theft at the host Radisson Hotel, including a stolen car, stolen fastball gear, and a “smash and grab” on our rental car at the host Radisson hotel resulting in the theft of all of Maddy’s digital cameras, lenses and equipment, personal effects and credit cards — which were used in less than an hour at three local retailers. Apparently, the thieves visited the local gas station, Jack-in-the-Box and Target Store impersonating Fastpitchwest’s Jim and Maddy. Naturally, we are hoping that Target’s cameras may have captured the thieves faces for all to see. Wouldn’t those look good on the cover of Fastpitchwest?
Despite reporting the thefts to the local police and to the Radisson Hotel, we returned from our game tonight to find thieves attempting an encore performance in the Radisson parking lot, before running off. No slight intended to the ASA organizing committee who put on a great tournament, IMHO. However, our experience and that of others with whom we have spoken, would not lead us to recommend the city to fastball players or fans, unless and until the crime spree is curtailed and the host Radisson Hotel spent some of the thousands of dollars paid by players and teams towards security for its hotel. After our unfortunate experience, we have learned of other similar incidents which occurred during prior tournaments — and still security is virtually nil. Two other teams reported thefts while in Stockton for tournament.
Again, my remarks are directed to the matters outside of the ballpark, and control of those running the tournament.
More on the subject in the Record newspaper,
Zeroing in on crime
Published Sunday, Aug 28, 2005
They gathered on Monday just as they do once every month.
The sheriff and police chiefs from San Joaquin County cities met to discuss crime trends, enforcement possibilities and the challenges they face amid the area’s rapid growth.
There was plenty to discuss, including:
# The survey that ranks the Stockton-Lodi metropolitan area No. 2 nationally in automobile theft per capita.
# A spike in area bank robberies.
# The recent Record report that shows Stockton has the highestper capita rate of violent crimein California.“I’ve been doing this for 37 years and crime remains a moving target,” San Joaquin County Sheriff Bob Heidelbach said.
“Everyone is serious about trying to get a handle on this.”
The fight against crime is ongoing and requires every citizen’s help.
The Stockton-Lodi statistical area is part of a statewide trend that has seen auto theft skyrocket in the past two years. Stockton-Lodi has gone from 5,708 auto thefts in 2002 to 6,733 in 2003 to 8,163 in 2004.
That means 22.2 cars per day were stolen in 2004 — almost one per hour.
There’s a natural tendency to view this as a Stockton problem, but that wouldn’t be correct, according to Lodi Police Chief Jerry Adams.
“Our rates are up, too. This is something all of us in San Joaquin County, and throughout the state, are trying to deal with,” he said.
Modesto ranked No. 1 ahead of Stockton-Lodi, and seven of the top 10 spots nationally are in California.
The auto-theft problem dominated much of Monday’s meeting of the local law enforcement leaders. The reasons for the increase include ties to methamphetamine use, proximity to Interstate 5 and Highway 99, auto parts-related theft for imports and simple transportation.