SW Riverside News

Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) recently spoke at Capitol Weekly’s Conference on Crime, focusing on the fentanyl crisis and potential solutions. The event, moderated by KCRA 3 reporter Ashley Zavala, delved into the unique epidemic of fentanyl, current efforts being made, and areas where California's response may be lacking.

Senator Seyarto's commitment to combating the fentanyl crisis was evident as he discussed the importance of a collaborative approach. He emphasized, "If we can arrive at a balanced approach using strategies from the different organizations and agencies on the frontlines of the crisis, we have a chance at saving countless lives." The Senator stressed the need to tackle both the supply and demand sides of the issue through education and effective law enforcement policies.

In 2020, California witnessed nearly 4,000 deaths linked to fentanyl overdose, with the crisis escalating further in 2021. Fentanyl overdose was identified as the primary cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 45, underscoring the urgency of addressing this escalating problem.

Senator Seyarto's proactive stance against fentanyl led to the enactment of SB 19 last year, establishing the Anti Fentanyl Task Force. Despite the task force not yet being funded, it aims to bring together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds including law enforcement, healthcare, education, and treatment to evaluate and recommend best practices in combating fentanyl.

Senator Seyarto, a retired firefighter/paramedic with 35 years of service in Southern California communities, retired as Battalion Chief from the Los Angeles County Fire Department in 2015. His dedication to public service and the well-being of Californians is evident in his ongoing efforts to address the fentanyl crisis and work towards safeguarding lives in the state.