Under the Hood: Understanding fentanyl risks and protecting loved ones
By Christina Julian
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The Spotlight
Welcome to "Under the Hood," the exclusive Saturday series for our paid Napa Valley Features subscribers. This week we focus on the fentanyl crisis and the increase in drugs laced with fatal doses of the deadly synthetic opioid. An upcoming event at the Cameo Cinema in St. Helena on Wednesday, April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. will explore this important issue (learn more and register here). We're also diving into the details, analyzing data from our latest readers’ polls, and providing insights from our economic dashboard for both the local Napa Valley and broader U.S. and global markets.
In addition, we feature "What We're Reading," a section with a handpicked list of recent articles providing a variety of viewpoints on issues important to our community. Also, don't miss exclusive offers and discounts for local events available only to Napa Valley Features subscribers.
Because of the importance of this issue we have removed the paywall normally associated with our “Under the Hood,” Saturday edition.
Decanting the Data:
In California there has been a significant increase in fentanyl overdoses, with opioid deaths increasing by 121% in three years. The California Department of Public Health has noted that in 2021, there were nearly 6,000 opioid-related overdose deaths in the state, with fentanyl being a major contributor. The DEA's Operation Engage Southern California also highlighted that in 2019 there were more than 3,200 opioid-related deaths in California, with approximately half of those being due to fentanyl. These figures indicate a concerning trend of rising fentanyl-related fatalities in California.
More alarming still, fentanyl is often disguised as common prescription drugs and therefore poses a significant risk to individuals, particularly teens and young adults who may not be aware of its dangers. The Napa Valley is not immune to this scourge, as we will learn from today’s guest contributor, Christina Julian, an author, journalist and fentanyl-awareness advocate living in Napa Valley.
Fentanyl: Understand the dangers and how to keep your loved ones safe
By Christina Julian
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — In the past two months I have shared fentanyl-awareness information with more than 7,000 students throughout the Bay Area, covering all middle and high schools in Sonoma Valley and middle schools in the Napa Valley Unified School District. It's apparent that our children, young adults and their caregivers are largely unaware of the dangers posed by illicit fentanyl, which is often disguised as prescription medications such as Adderall, Xanax and Percocet. These pills can be easily bought in seconds on social media platforms such as Snapchat and delivered just as quickly.
Key takeaways in this article:
Fentanyl, often disguised as common prescription drugs, poses a serious risk not just to those with addiction issues but to teens and young adults who may not suspect their dangers.
The rise in teen drug deaths, primarily due to fentanyl, is alarming, with significant impacts in local communities like Napa County.
Community education and engagement, such as the upcoming event at Cameo Cinema, are vital in preventing these tragedies by increasing awareness and providing necessary resources.
The statistics paint a grim picture that no one wants to face. The Drug Enforcement Administration estimates that seven out of 10 fake pills contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that teen drug deaths increased by 550% from 2018 to 2022, with 84% of these fatalities involving fentanyl. In 2022 alone, Napa County recorded 21 opioid-related deaths and 47 emergency department visits involving opioids.
Behind every statistic is a face, a loved one lost, a family left in pieces. My niece Clarie was one such face. She did not struggle with substance abuse or drug use; she was a victim of fentanyl poisoning and never completed her final semester at the University of Southern California. Just one pill can be fatal.
In Wine Country, there's a prevailing misconception that fentanyl issues are confined to those battling addiction. However, this crisis also affects everyday teens and young adults coping with the stresses of our quick-fix, pill-popping, post-pandemic, social-media-driven world. The pressures on our youth are immense, leading some to self-medicate and experiment. Their first experiment in today's deadly fentanyl era could tragically be their last.
However, there is hope amidst these dire statistics. These deaths are entirely preventable. Awareness saves lives. On Wednesday, April 24, at 5 p.m. the Napa Valley community is invited to gain insights into this crisis from multiple perspectives during a free 30-minute screening of "Drugs in the Age of Fentanyl" at the Cameo Cinema. Following the film an expert panel will discuss the evolving drug landscape, the dangers of illicit fentanyl and fake pills, and ways to keep loved ones safe. Key experts and bereaved family members will share their experiences and address local impacts, answering questions from the audience.
From Anna Chouteau, a city council member in St. Helena: "Our community is not immune to the dangers of fentanyl, and we can save lives by coming together to learn and take action. I attended a similar event in Calistoga and had important and meaningful conversations with my family and friends afterward. The more we understand the risks and how to protect ourselves and our loved ones, the better and stronger we are in facing the fentanyl crisis."
Fentanyl is increasingly being found in nearly all street drugs, including cocaine, heroin and fake pills sold on social media and in communities across the country. This synthetic drug now causes more deaths among Americans under 50 than any other cause, including heart disease, cancer, homicide, suicide and accidents.
The event is presented by the City of St. Helena, UpValley Family Centers and Song for Charlie, a California-based national nonprofit spreading fentanyl awareness across the state and the country in partnership with the California Department of Health Care Services. The Napa Opioid Safety Coalition, which is launching a countywide fentanyl awareness campaign, will be onsite to offer training and free Narcan/naloxone, a life-saving opioid reversal medication. Free tacos will be generously provided by Ray Ray’s Tacos, and Spanish interpretation will be available.
For more information or to RSVP for the free Cameo Cinema event, visit their website.
Christina Julian is an author, journalist and fentanyl-awareness advocate living in Napa Valley. She can be reached at 310-795-4293 or christina@songforcharlie.org
The Economy
Economic Pulse Indicators Local:
The unemployment rate in Napa County was 4.5% in February 2024, down from a revised 4.7% in January 2024 and above the year-ago estimate of 3.8%. This compares with an unadjusted unemployment rate of 5.6% for California and 4.2% for the nation during the same period. (Source)
As of April 16, Napa County has 1,896 Type-02 winery licenses, an increase of one from last week. (Source)
As of April 8, California has 6,847 Type-02 winery licenses, up one from last week. (Source)
The labor force in Napa County jumped in January 2024 after steep declines for the preceding two months. (Source)
The median home price in Napa County remains lower than its peak in May 2023; February figures showed a 1.72% increase from the month prior. (Source)
Zillow's latest data reveal that as of April 12, home values in Napa County have experienced a decrease year over year, which is a decline from last week. (Source)
Napa County’s population growth rate is currently negative 0.87% (down 1,154 from 2023) and is expected to decline significantly in the coming years. (Source)
Economic Pulse Indicators United States:
Wine production in the United States totals 806.1 million gallons, with California contributing 680.3 million gallons, making up approximately 84.4% of the nation's total wine production. (Source)
White-collar layoffs continue, with 74,000 worldwide layoffs as of April 17, which is an increase of 16,495 since last week. (Source)
California’s overall population is declining but not as fast as Napa County. (Source)
The March unemployment rate decreased 0.1% to 3.8% (Source), and the most recent household and payroll surveys showed a continued downward shift (Source). This is a move that frequently is correlated with recessions, potentially reflecting its sensitivity to immediate job losses across a diverse range of employment situations.
U.S. Treasury yield inversion remained strong as of Feb. 29. (Source)
Gas prices surged higher this past week. (Source)
Credit card debt remains at a record high. (Source)
Retail trade and food services grew 0.57% in February compared to January. (Source)
Car inventories remain more than 100% from a year earlier. (Source)
The Producer Price Index increased to 2.1% in March. (Source)
Economic Pulse Indicators Global:
Global GDP is expected to remain sluggish in 2024. (Source)
The United States maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world. (Source)
Container rates are off their peak but remain high. (Source)
Revised numbers pulled Japan from recession, with 0.1% GDP growth in Q4, 2024. (Source)
United Kingdom remains in recession. (Source)
Germany GDP remains anemic. (Source)
China’s inflation rate declined to 0.1% (Source), while their producer price change remains stubbornly negative (Source). At the same time, consumer confidence remains near an all-time low (Source) and the property market continues to falter (Source).
What We're Reading:
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates has sold the Conn Creek Winery brand to Third Leaf Wines and has closed the tasting room. (Reader Recommended; Source)
Despite concerns about homogeneity in Napa Valley wines consulted by Philippe Melka, tasting comparisons and expert testimonies reveal distinct terroir expressions in his wines, challenging the notion that they all taste the same. (Source)
A new study by the Wine Market Council reveals that 30-something millennials are increasingly consuming more wine, spending more per bottle on average than baby boomers, reversing previous trends that suggest a decline in wine interest among this demographic. (Source)
A recent Gallup poll reveals a significant decline in adequate sleep among Americans, particularly young women under 50, who also report higher stress levels compared to men and older adults. (Source)
Three individuals were arrested for the fatal shooting of two teenagers in Napa over the weekend, according to the Napa Police Department. (Source)
Amid signs of a rolling recovery in the United States, with manufacturing showing improvement while the services sector remains soft, investors grapple with fluctuating expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, influenced by persistent uncertainties around inflation. (Source)
A study predicts that the climate crisis will cause global average incomes to drop by nearly 20% by 2050, with environmental damage costs being six times higher than the expenses of limiting warming to 2°C. (Source)
Tesla is laying off more than 10% of its global workforce amid falling sales and an intensified price war in the electric-vehicle market, despite increasing its employee count significantly over the past two years. (Source)
Stanford University's 2024 AI Index report highlights the rapid advancements of AI systems in tasks such as reading comprehension and image classification, noting that current benchmarks are becoming obsolete and underscoring the need for new methods to evaluate complex AI capabilities. (Source)
AI could significantly advance drug development tailored to Africa's diverse genetic landscape, provided there is sufficient investment in local infrastructure, training, and data management led by African researchers and institutions. (Source)
Scientists at UC Riverside have developed a groundbreaking RNA-based vaccine that effectively targets a common viral genome component, offering protection against all virus strains and proving safe for all age groups, including babies and the immunocompromised. (Source)
Rising sea temperatures are causing a severe global coral bleaching event, anticipated to be the most widespread ever, affecting crucial ecosystems and potentially leading to extensive coral mortality. (Source)
Although researchers suggest lifelong use of obesity drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic, various factors often lead people to discontinue them, causing many to regain weight and lose health benefits achieved during treatment. (Source)
Artificial intelligence is now being utilized to enhance predictions of the annual lethal dust storms in East Asia, aiming to improve public safety and reduce economic losses. (Source)
Under the Hood – The Wrap
Fentanyl, often disguised as common prescription drugs, poses a significant risk to individuals, particularly teens and young adults who may not be aware of its dangers. The synthetic opioid is responsible for a sharp increase in teen drug deaths, especially in local communities such as Napa County, highlighting the need for heightened awareness and community engagement. Christina Julian has engaged more than 7,000 students across the Bay Area with fentanyl-awareness information, emphasizing the drug's disguise as medications such as Adderall and Xanax and its easy availability through social media. Tragic stories like that of Julian's niece, Clarie, who died from fentanyl poisoning without any history of drug abuse, underline the crisis affecting even those not typically associated with drug problems. Efforts to combat this issue include community events like the film screening and panel discussion at Cameo Cinema in St. Helena on Wednesday, April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. that aim to educate and equip the community with knowledge and resources to prevent these needless deaths.
Exclusive Offers for Napa Valley Features Subscribers at Local Businesses
As a Napa Valley Features subscriber, simply mention your subscription to enjoy a special treat. These perks can include discounts or unique offerings exclusively for you.
Events at Outer Space Wines
"A Dozen Italian Wines" tasting. Friday April 19, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Pour yourself tastes of 12 distinctive, delicious wines from Italy. Whites and reds covering Tuscany, Piedmont, Umbria, Sardegna, Veneto and Friuli. $20 cash or $22 charge. Walk-ins welcome. Pay at the door. More info.
Winemaker Saturday with Byron Kosuge. Saturday, April 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. Byron Kosuge of B. Kosuge Wines will pour you his rosé of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot noir. Cost: $15: Free with three-bottle purchase of B. Kosuge Wine. Pay at the door. Walk-ins welcome. More info.
Napa Valley Features subscribers receive special treats at these events. Tickets and details are available on their website. Purchase tickets here, For inquiries, contact 707-657-7401 or visit their website. Address: 974 Franklin St.
Blue Bird Paddle Days at Napa Valley Paddle
Napa Valley Paddle introduces "Blue Bird Paddle Days," a series of monthly meetups starting with a sunset paddle on Friday, April 26. Participants will enjoy the scenic Los Carneros waterways, navigating through Fagan Marsh State Marine Park with views of Mt. Veeder, Tam, Diablo and Atlas Peak. The event kicks off at 5:45 p.m., with participants on-water by 6:15 p.m. Join the flotilla for an après paddle at Stanly Ranch. Napa Valley Features’ subscribers receive a 10% discount using the code "bluebirdpaddleday." For pricing, reservations and more information, call 707-200-5511 or visit their website. Meet at Cuttings Wharf Public Dock, 6 Cuttings Rd.
Janet Guggenheim with Napa Valley Chamber Orchestra
Renowned pianist Janet Guggenheim stars in two free concerts with the Napa Valley Chamber Orchestra, featuring Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 12. The performances are on April 28 at Paulin Hall, Pacific Union College, Angwin, and May 5 at Napa Adventist Community Church, both starting at 2 p.m. The program includes pieces by Shostakovich, Beliczay and Florence Price, followed by a festive reception. Admission is free, donations accepted. Mention Napa Valley Features for a special raffle ticket offer. Further information can be found on the orchestra's website. Paulin Hall, Pacific Union College, Angwin; 1105 G St., Napa Adventist Community Church.
3rd Annual Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience May 16-19, Healdsburg
Co-founded by Napa resident Steve Dveris, the 3rd Annual Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, running from May 16-19, showcases Sonoma County's agriculture and culinary specialties. This event assembles winemakers, chefs and sommeliers for a variety of tastings, seminars and culinary demonstrations. It supports local charities that include Future Farmers of America and Farm to Pantry. All attendees must be at least 21 years old. Ticket prices range from $95 for select events to the Platinum Weekender Package at $4,500. Napa Valley Features subscribers receive a 10% discount on all tickets and packages using the code NapaValleyFeatures24 at checkout. For more information, visit their website or contact info@healdsburgwineandfood.com. The events are hosted at various locations in Healdsburg.
If today's story captured your interest, explore these related articles:
Under the Hood: Napa County faces economic challenges due to aging, decreasing population
Under the Hood: St. Helena City Council OKs public library consolidation
Under the Hood: Barrel to bottle — A sustainable blueprint for wineries
Under the Hood: A Preview of 100 Years of Napa Valley Crop Reports
Balancing beauty and safety: Lessons in landscaping for Napa's wildland-urban interface
Just re-read the article. I am still stunned that so many under estimate and/or not aware of the dangers of fentanyl. It floors me when I see the news about fentanyl
related deaths and the parents are so surprised and admit they really were not aware of fentanyl.