Kind words for staff photographer

Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) has introduced his public safety bill package for the 2023 legislative year, focusing on combating fentanyl abuse in our communities. SB 19 would establish the California AntiFentanyl Abuse Task Force to increase public education and mobilize state and local resources to evaluate the best practices for combating fentanyl. “Californians are falling victim to drug dealers who prey on the potency and availability of illicit fentanyl,” Seyarto said. “We need to give local agencies the tools they need to keep our communities safe and hold criminals accountable. This task force will identify the resources necessary to respond and bring this epidemic under control.”

SB 67 would enroll California’s departments and agencies who are on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic into the free universal information sharing program known as ODMAP to track and effectively address live patterns of overdoses. Currently, over 3,000 local, state, and federal agencies across the country participate in this program.

“This data sharing application

“By expanding this resource to all of California, we can enhance community response and work together against the fentanyl epidemic.” Seyarto is also proud to co-author SB 44 (Umberg): Alexandra’s Law, a bipartisan bill that would require a court to issue an advisory to individuals convicted of selling or distributing controlled substances, including fentanyl, warning them of potential future criminal liability if another person dies as a result of those actions. In 2020 alone, California experienced nearly 4,000 deaths related to fentanyl overdose, and in 2021, fentanyl overdose became recognized as the leading cause of death of Americans aged 18 to 45. Seyarto is a retired firefighter/ paramedic who served numerous Southern California communities during a career that spanned 35 years. He retired at the rank of Battalion Chief from the Los Angeles County Fire Department in 2015.

Senator Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta, represents California’s 32nd Senate District, which includes the cities and communities of Aguanga, Anza, Borrego Springs, Canyon Lake, Chino Hills, Corona, El Sobrante, French Valley, Homeland, Idyllwild, Julian, La Cresta, Lake Elsinore, Lake Mathews, Lakeland Village, Menifee, Murrieta, Norco, Sage, Riverside, Temecula, Temescal Valley, Wildomar, Winchester, Woodcrest, and Yorba Linda.