Are you serious about fixing break-in problems at Oroville?

troutnut · Post by **troutnut** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 9:39 am

Money talks.

We can complain about it all day long on this board but until you wake up the local businesses that depend on your tourist income, the problem will NEVER go away. Oroville and the surrounding area has been a haven for thieves who target anglers, and it is time to put some local muscle on the problem.

I have dealt with Butte County on several other issues regarding the relicensing of the PG&E hydroelectric plants on the North Fork Feather River, and Butte County is VERY CONCERNED with loss of tourism $$$$$$$ DOLLARS. It is their weakness. They will do almost anything to maintain or increase their tax base. They need to know anglers are going to spend their money elsewhere if the problem doesn't get fixed soon.

The city of Oroville is extremely dependant on tourism dollars. I worked at Albertson's in Oroville 15 years ago , and weekend tourist volume was how that store survived.

The local businesses need to put some pressure on law enforcement to curtail these break-ins.

It is a 4 step process:

1. YOU all need to write a short email to the Oroville Chamber Of Commerce listed below:

http://www.orovillechamber.net/contact.htm

Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce
1789 Montgomery Street
Oroville, CA 95965

Hours:

Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
Phones:
Toll-free: 800-655-GOLD (4653)
Local: 530-538-2542
Fax: 530-538-2546

Email:

General Information info@orovillechamber.net
Tao Stadler, Executive Director/Publications Editor tstadler@orovillechamber.net
Ray J. Johnson, Membership Sales and Event Coordinator rjohnson@orovillechamber.net
Freda Flint, Administrative Assistant fflint@orovillechamber.net

about your concerns regarding break-ins targeting VISITING ANGLER VEHICLES while parked at Lake Oroville fishing locations. You do not need to be a victim (but it helps), non-victims can just write about reported break-ins they read about on the internet and in fishing publications (Thermalito Afterbay break-ins were so bad it 10 years ago it has been written about in BOOKS). You need to say you fear for your personal safety because of the chance of meeting one of these tweaked out thieves in process of a break-in. You need to explain you don't want to drive your own boats, vehicles, or stay in local motels (very key) because of the crimes. Tell them you are a regular user of the recreational facilities of the Oroville area, and the problem is growing. Tell them most anglers you know have stopped filling out police reports because it is a waste of their time. (this will refute the sheriff's dept. future statement that there is no crime at the launches). Then the key sentence we all must put into the letters, "What can the Chamber of Commerce do about this growing problem, and can you report back to me what has been done?" This forces them to do some action.

2. A letter to Butte County Supervisor Bill Connelly:

Butte County
1 County Center Drive
Oroville, CA 95965
800-498-5700
www.buttecounty.net

Board of Supervisors

Bill Connelly- District 1 (Oroville)
BConnelly@buttecounty.net

stating the same problems and ask him to bring it to the Board of Supervisors to discuss and report back Butte County's plan to stop the break-ins.

3. A letter to the mayor of Oroville, Gordon Andoe asking for help.

Mayor Gordon Andoe
andoehg@cityoforoville.org

City of Oroville
1735 Montgomery Street
Oroville, CA 95965

Phone: 530-538-2401
Toll-free: 888-676-8455
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Web site:www.cityoforoville.org

All of these letters need to need to state the problem, ask for their help in finding a fast solution because tournament and tourist season is fast approaching, and you need to ask for a return response when they have found the solution. It also helps to tell them how much you enjoy visiting the area and how often you come there each year (repeat customer).

If 30-40 people sent these letters, a few bass clubs, plus a few tournament directors and maybe a letter from the BBAC the problem would get fixed.

The thieves are like cockroaches, they need the light shined on them before anyone will see them.

The 4th step is... be willing to take your tourist dollar and go somewhere else. If you make a threat, you have to be willing to stand behind it. If no one signed up for a Lake Oroville tourney next year, the feces would hit the local fan.

crawdaddy · Post by **crawdaddy** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 10:45 am

C'mon guys lets do something about this. This is one of those times where the power of numbers and dollars can make a real difference.

Kelly Ripa · Post by **Kelly Ripa** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 11:00 am

That is one heck of a post troutnut!!! Facts,figures,contact points and all for a serious cause. I give you a 10 out of a possible ten on this issue and your approach is flawless. Glad I don't have to fish against you because if your as fastidious in the boat as you were in the post you're the master

...Seriously thanks for all your time and effort.

Rip

troutnut · Post by **troutnut** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 12:32 pm

It is a Butte County/Oroville problem. It is THEIR CHILDREN AND NEIGHBORS who are doing the crimes, not outside people. They won't want to hear that. That county has a high drug problem and it is because the local government agencies have done nothing to stop the criminals.

They steal high value/ easily sold items and use the money to buy drugs. Meth and marijuana are HUGE in Butte and Yuba county. They also know they aren't going to get caught, it is nearly impossible to get a police report taken "on-site". You have to go to the sheriffs department to file a report. There are few patrols, and they know they can get away easily.

This cr@p about "we don't have the money" to patrol is a bunch of BS. They could easily raise MILLIONS OF DOLLARS for law enforcement by charging the water districts and water agencies 10 cents an acre -foot more for the water stored and delivered from Lake Oroville, since "the lake and river" are the problem attracting the criminals. Water is a "Public Trust", yet the recreational users are the only ones getting their use fees raised. They recently raised the launchand camping fees at the lake, yet water contract fees remain unchanged.

Butte county could put a surcharge on ALL water stored in Butte county to all water districts for protection of the resource (ie. law enforcement, terrorist threats, bio-hazards, ) and the recreational and boating public would not have to foot the bill, as it is currently being done.

bassinwannabe · Post by **bassinwannabe** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 12:38 pm

GREAT POST! After reading all the threads lately I am skeptical on bringing the family there. We already boycotted the camp grounds last year since they don't take reservations and you could drive all the way there and be @$$ out!

Elmhurst bassman · Post by **Elmhurst bassman** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 2:14 pm

You can make reservations at the many campsites around lake oroville through reserveamerica. I understand that the campsites may be closed certain times of the year but to claim they do not take reservations is incorrect. The campsites at the marina take reservations from April through August.

I definitely agree that oroville has its problems with the criminal element but to think it is a greater risk than other parts of california is ridiculous. I have never had anything stolen or vandalized at oroville but I know many who have. I have had property stolen and/or vandalized at clear lake, berryessa (at markley cove of all places), and the delta. The funny thing is I have spent much more time at Oroville than I have the other three waters listed. Boycotting is one solution but drawing a line in the sand doesn't always get the desired result. In my opinion, these four bodies of water seem to get the most pub for problems and I don't anticipate tourney orgs abandoning these locations due to the quality of the fishery. All we can do as anglers is reduce the risk as much as possible. I don't know how many times I have been walking down to the ramp after parking the truck to see thousands of dollars of personal property in plain view in the cab of a truck. It is like an invitation to a thief.

bassinwannabe · Post by **bassinwannabe** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 2:42 pm

Elmhurst bassman wrote:You can make reservations at the many campsites around lake oroville through reserveamerica. I understand that the campsites may be closed certain times of the year but to claim they do not take reservations is incorrect. The campsites at the marina take reservations from April through August.

In that case they need to train there employees!!! I tried to make reservations last year in August and was told NO we don't make them it is first come first serve. There loss was my gain I found a MUCH better place that doesn't charge anything and is not well known.

Chucknbass · Post by **Chucknbass** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 3:00 pm

I fish the Feather River in the Oroville area for salmon in addition to fishing Oroville Lake. It is common knowledge that the thieves are busy in the area. If you are fishing the Feather it is inviting disaster to leave anything of value in your vehicle. Supposedly Oroville has a high percentage of ex convicts living in the area.

Jones Valley at Shasta is another hotspot for getting ripped off.

Elmhurst bassman · Post by **Elmhurst bassman** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 3:37 pm

Next time just make the reservation through their website... it is reserveamerica.com I had too many unpleasant experiences over the phone with them as well

bassinwannabe · Post by **bassinwannabe** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 3:38 pm

THANKS!!

NaCl · Post by **NaCl** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 4:11 pm

Dear Mr. Stadler,

I am a long time tournament bass fisherman. I love fishing Oroville and usually spend 40-50 days a year at that lake. I buy gas in your city. I rent hotel rooms and eat at your restaurants. One time, I had a major truck repair done at one of your dealerships. I take my grandkids to Oroville in summer for fun fishing. ALL THAT IS ABOUT TO STOP!

You folks don't seem to care about the long standing theft problem fishermen face at the Bidwell and Spillway parking lots. In the past, I had a truck window broken. Nothing was stolen because I'm AFRAID to leave anything in my truck at your facilities! Still, it cost me a window. Its happening again...the thieves are at it again. And, you folks in Oroville still don't care! Now, don't sit there and mumble that you DO care. That's nonsense...actions speaks louder than words. And, I'm not talkin about a few weekend patrols. Guys are getting their trucks broken into during the week. You folks have failed to develop any effective security plan for those parking lots. You have NOT hired a rent-a-cop to patrol. You have NOT installed any surveillance equipment to catch thieves after the fact. The only "fact" that remains undisputed is Oroville's disregard for the property of the fishermen who dump thousands of tourist dollars into your city.

So, here's the deal. I will fish Folsom. I'll enjoy the Delta. I'll go to Clearlake...by the way...Redbud Park in Clearlake used to have the same problem. But, their Chamber of Commerce cared! They hired security, set up a plan and worked with local law enforcement to make frequent random patrols. Their parking lots are no much better. Back to Oroville. I still love that lake and I won't lie, you'll still see me up there from time to time. But, if my visits drop from 50 a year to 10, you folks lose money! It's your choice. I'd love to maintain my frequency up there but I'm not willing to do it until you fix the theft problems.

Sincerely,

Dean Sault

steve0806 · Post by **steve0806** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 11:55 am

Sorry I have to disagree with you on this point. The water agencies and districts are paying their fair share for environmental impacts on the area. What do water agencies have to do with drugs and thievery? I like the idea of appealing to the local officials. Maybe they can find a way to get the casinos to contribute to increased law enforcement. Casino users may just find safer places to visit.

Bill K · Post by **Bill K** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 12:53 pm

It is not the local business's, casino, motels, etc. job to enforce the law at the lake and parking areas. It is the county authoritys, i.e.
sherriff and state water/park who are sworn for such. However by
letting the business's know why boaters and users of the lake will stop going there and spending money at the local business's that just might wake someone up to do their job and try to curtail the illegal activity in the areas, we are talking about. My email is on the way, I hope yours is also. Dean wrote and set a really good example to follow. Bill K

RougeBass · Post by **RougeBass** » Sun Feb 26, 2006 9:26 pm

Totally agree with Dean! Last week when my buddies truck was broken into and his Angler of the Year Jacket was stolen out of it on Friday afternoon in broad day light the authorities in town said we will send someone up to look into it NOBODY ever showed up. But don't pay to launch or park by the bathrooms for 2 minutes and guess what Ranger Rick is right there. Don't get me wrong Troutnut I will do what you have recommended. But there are still ALOT of Alngers who spend alot of money there every year and will continue to do so. Honestly have businesses there felt a financial impact thus far do to a decline of tourism? And if it is a great financial burden for more security you know who it will eventually fall back on "The Anglers". Just my oppion.

Bob Simard · Post by **Bob Simard** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 12:46 pm

I sent this in a few minutes ago to everyone on the email list mentioned....

Come on guys - I'm including my email here, if you fish the lake and care about the thieving, please take a moment - plagiarize, edit, do what it takes but let the powers that be know....

I would also like to hear what the Tournament Directors are doing, if anything. I understand it's not you problem directly, but you guys carry a lot more weight than me - a single angler.

Greetings,

With all the break ins occurring in the parking lots at the Oroville launch ramps, between pre-fish and the events themselves, I'm not sure it's worth the worry to come to Oroville and compete on that lake anymore. I was there with a friend in his truck last month pre-fishing for a team tournament. Upon returning to his truck/trailer we found someone had stolen one of the 4 wheel drive locking hubs off his F250 and a rear taillight off his trailer. Some of the locals are now apparently using the lot as an auto parts store.

It simply costs to much money in hotel, restaurant, gas, and tackle to travel to Oroville to risk returning to my truck after a day on the water only to find my rims and tires gone, the stereo gone, the window broken and inside ransacked, parts stolen off the truck/trailer etc. The existing situation, security onsite, is a joke. Having someone drive around back and forth between lots does no good, obviously. In todayâ€™s cell-phone world, is it really THAT hard to imagine a scenario that defeats a single car patrolling multiple lots?

e.g. meth-addict number 1 sits on the benches by the bathrooms on the far end of the dam and alerts his meth-addict buddy via cell phone, who is breaking into our vehicles in the spillway lot, as soon as the security truck or Ranger drives by? That gives meth-addict number 2 plenty of time to wrap up his thieving and drive off.

The Rangers (state employees) do nothing more than enforce parking regulations / fees, and often we wonder what the hell weâ€™re paying forâ€¦. The opportunity to provide a â€œtarget-rich environmentâ€

RougeBass · Post by **RougeBass** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 1:09 pm

I did the same and I have heard nothing back from anybody. But like I said before it really gets my goat (saying that nicely) to hear about Ranger Rick giving someome a hard time for parking by the bathroom or someone getting a bogus ticket out on the lake when the bigger problem lies in the parking lot with theives. But like I said before giving me a ticket is money in the bank. Arresting some low life in the parking alot is going to cost the "County" thousands by the time the Scum bag is processed through the system. Let me know if there is something more we can do!!!!!!!!!

Bob Simard · Post by **Bob Simard** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 3:13 pm

Not quite enough for me but it's a reply at least.....

----->
Hi Bob,
I appreciate your comments and want you to know we consider the anglers who visit Lake Oroville a VERY IMPORTANT asset and definitely take this issue seriously. I will contact State Parks officials immediately ad urge them to reevaluate their parking control policies so that the scenario you described does not become common.
Thank you for taking the time to write me. Please feel free to contact me at any time regarding this issue.
Sincerely,
Tao

_________________________________________________
Tao Stadler
Executive Manager/Publications Editor
Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce
1789 Montgomery Street
Oroville, CA 95965
Phone: 530-538-2542
Mobile: 530-370-3408
Toll-free: 800-655-GOLD (4653)
Fax: 530-538-2546
Email: tstadler@orovillechamber.net
Web: www.orovillechamber.net
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
-----Original Message-----

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 3:26 pm

I'll probably never fish Oroville, but, if it were me, I'd contact the chamber of commerce there. Money talks, and there are so many tournaments on that lake, there's enough money spent to provide some leverage, command some attention.
I might also look up the local hotel association, and drop them a note, as well as the local tackle shops.