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OC Sheriff Barns Gives Update on Fentanyl Crisis

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2 years ago

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The extent of the challenge at our nation’s border is illustrated by the numbers.  There were 203,597 migrant encounters at the U.S.–Mexico border in the month of August.  Total encounters for the federal fiscal year thus far is over 2 million.  The most ever.   It is estimated that there have been over 550,000 “gotaways” in 2022, these are individuals who were spotted but not contacted while entering our country.  Most shocking is the number of deaths.  Since October 1 2021, the start of the federal fiscal year 2022, there have been 748 migrant deaths at the border, another record.  That is up from 557 southwest border deaths during fiscal year 2021, the previous record.

These numbers are alarming, but it may not always be apparent how this crisis directly affects us here in Orange County.  Of course there are numerous impacts.  One of the most immediate is the flood of fentanyl coming into our communities.  According to Customs and Border Patrol, from October 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, 5,091 pounds of fentanyl was seized at California port of entries in Imperial and San Diego County.  This is approximately 60 percent of the 8,425 pounds of fentanyl seized around the entire country.  As significant as these numbers are, the amount that gets through is certainly much greater.

The prevalence of fentanyl in Orange County is illustrated by the increase in seizures made by narcotics investigators of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.  In 2021, Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators seized 104.6 pounds of fentanyl and 16,278 pills.  In the first eight months of 2022 we seized 412 pounds of suspected fentanyl and 283,510 pills containing fentanyl.  This significant increase occurred without any changes in our operations or an increase in our personnel.  More is being seized because more is coming in.  

This influx has had tragic consequences for Orange County families.  In 2016 there were 37 fentanyl-related deaths in Orange County.  This number increased to 716 in 2021.  For cases investigated by the Orange County Coroner, fentanyl-related deaths was the number one killer of children 17 and under in 2021.

We have implemented several solutions to stop this epidemic from claiming more lives.  A critical piece of our strategy is addressing the demand for drugs by educating our community about the risks of fentanyl.  We know that even one illicit pill can kill.  Experimenting with pills is the modern day version of Russian roulette.  This past school year we adopted a new drug education curriculum, “Above the Influence.”  This contemporary program is being taught to 5th and 6th students in schools within Sheriff’s Department service areas. 

Holding accountable those trafficking fentanyl is of equal importance. Last year we began issuing advisements to all those arrested for selling narcotics.  The advisement states that if a dealer sells, furnishes or distributes drugs to someone, and that person dies as a result of using the drugs, the dealer can be charged with murder.  This action makes clear that those engaged in furthering the drug epidemic will face consequence for their careless treatment of life.  Since March of 2021 our homicide and narcotics teams have investigated more than 125 drug-related deaths with the intent of identifying the supplier for prosecution. To that end, this Spring I joined with the DEA and US Attorney’s office in announcing criminal cases against drug dealers who sold fentanyl that caused fatal drug-related deaths in Orange County. 

While these local efforts will have an impact, success in ending the fentanyl epidemic will not fully occur until the federal government takes action.  This brings me back to the border.  Securing our border is the single most effective way to stop the fentanyl pouring into our communities.  I hope you will join me in encouraging our federal government to do the following:

  • Target the Drug Cartels- Anyone familiar with the border crisis knows that the Drug Cartels are a significant driving force behind the chaos that occurs there each day.  More effectively confronting these Cartels is critical.  We must resume collaborative efforts with the Mexican government  to destroy drug labs and prosecute the drug kingpins whose quest for illicit profit is wreaking havoc on American families.
  • Enhance Physical Border Security- More investment in border security infrastructure would close the gaps being exploited by smugglers.  This means completing physical barriers and technology projects that will assist our border patrol personnel in achieving their mission.
  • Increase High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Initiatives (HIDTA): HIDTA helps fund collaborative efforts among federal, state and local law enforcement aimed at disrupting drug trafficking and production.  The funding is specifically targeted to those areas of the country most impacted by drug trafficking.  Funding for HIDTA operations has remained relatively flat over the past five years.  For our local HIDTA program, a lack of financial resources have forced federal agencies to reduce the number of personnel assigned by 50%.  

Only the federal government has the resources, legal authority, diplomatic standing and moral obligation to secure the border and stop the flow of fentanyl that has claimed so many precious lives.  This is a non-partisan issue, a security issue, and a public health issue.  Americans are dying and the cartels are responsible for killing them.  We must act now.

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Huntington Beach’s Dan Kalmick seeks re-election despite ongoing conflicts with city leaders

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2 weeks ago

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September 25, 2024

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Dan Kalmick, who is running for re-election on the Huntington Beach City Council, has been scrutinized in recent weeks for his ongoing conflicts with the mayor and other city leaders. 

Dan Kalmick, an incumbent seeking reelection on the Huntington Beach City Council, has come under scrutiny in recent months for his conduct at city council meetings. 

In June, Kalmick and his colleagues, Councilors Rhonda Bolton and Natalie Moser, walked out of a city council meeting in the middle of proceedings to protest an agenda item proposed by Mayor Pro Tem, Pat Burns. The item affirmed the council’s commitment to the U.S. Constitution, including the residents’ rights to free speech and to bear arms.  

Upon learning of Mayor Pro Tem Burns’ proposal, Kalmick proposed his own agenda item which stated that “water is wet and the sky is blue.” 

After the ordeal, Burns said the item was intended to be a bipartisan issue and that Kalmick turned it into a “theatrical act of stupidity.” 

“By reaffirming this, it just says that Huntington Beach is going to stand and be strong with our very important foundation of the Constitution,” Burns told the Daily Pilot. 

Kalmick has also been critical of Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark’s proposed ordinance to make Huntington Beach a “Parents’ Right to Know City,” in response to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s singing of AB 1955 into law. The law prevents schools from needing to tell parents if their child is transitioning their gender identity or expression at school.

“This is ridiculous and a very weird agenda item. It’s another ridiculous piece of theater that doesn’t do anything for the residents of Huntington Beach but will cost us money because it opens us up to litigation,” Kalmick told FOX 11 Los Angeles. “It’s a school issue and I think it’s important we protect our LGBTQ.” 

Kalmick often takes to social media to message city politics and national political issues. In October 2023, months before city voters were set to vote on a policy that would require individuals to present identification in order to vote in city elections, Kalmick criticized voter ID as a voter suppression tactic. 

“Let’s be clear: Voter ID is about voter suppression. It’s not about protecting the integrity of an election,” Kamick said. 

City voters approved the measure in March 2024 with 53% of the vote. 

Kalmick was first elected to the city council in 2020. Before joining the council, he served for eight years on the city’s planning commission. 

Kalmick, Bolton, and Moser are all seeking reelection this fall. According to city records, their challengers include Armory Hanson, Don Kennedy, Edward “Butch” Twining, Cody Cleary, Marissa Jackson, Shawn Kirby, and Chad Williams, all of whom sought nomination papers from the city clerk. 

The election will be held on November 5.

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Huntington Beach City Council Leads Conservative Response to California Policies

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1 month ago

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September 10, 2024

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The Huntington Beach City Councilmembers have pushed back against numerous progressive policies put into place at the state level, with the most recent action challenging AB 1955.

Huntington Beach has seen somewhat of a conservative backlash against California’s progressive drift. This included the removing of the rainbow flag from City Hall last year, as well as a recent challenge to California’s AB 1955.

AB1955 was signed into effect last month by Governor Gavin Newsom, and it prevents school personnel from informing the parents of a student’s gender transition. The new law received criticism even from Elon Musk who expressed his outrage on X over Newsom’s signing of the law.

Recently Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark has introduced an ordinance to challenge the new law in the city of Huntington Beach. Her desire is to make Huntington Beach a right to know city, or a sanctuary city for parental rights. 

Mayor Van Der Mark stated on X, “It is our constitutional right to to raise our own children with the values, morals, and beliefs we choose to instill in them, not the state’s.” 

City Council Member Dan Kalmick called this action a “ridiculous and weird agenda item…” He also said that this “creates another circus in Huntington Beach.” Kalmick is one of the three left-leaning council members, who is up for re-election this year. 

In fact, this November election will still see a conservative majority retain control, and determine the direction of the council for the next few years.

This new ordinance will play an important role in the upcoming election later this year. Mayor Van Der Mark is determined to “send a message to Sacramento” that Huntington Beach is not going to let this go without a fight. 

The conservative members of the city council have been successful at their pushback against the progressive leaning of the rest of California, and they are not alone in their outspoken criticism of the governor on a number of issues. 

Other California public officials like Placer County Representative Kevin Kiley (R-CA), and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, have also been outspoken with regards to this law, as well as the Governor’s handling of a number of issues including homelessness and crime in California.

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Huntington Beach Community Events: Sept. 1 – 7

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1 month ago

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September 5, 2024

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Enjoy the Aloha Fair, classic rock music and rescued horses this week in Huntington Beach

Sunday, September 1: Aloha Fair

Experience the magic of Polynesia at the Aloha Fair on Sunday, Sept. 1. The event, which features food, shopping and live entertainment, will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 16160 Beach Blvd. 

Entertainment at the fair includes Polynesian dance and music performances. Seating is provided at the venue. Shopping includes various island style arts and crafts. Food includes Hawaiian shave ice and other food trucks. 

The Aloha Fair takes place on the first Sunday of each month and runs through February. The fair will return to Huntington Beach on Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, Jan. 5, and Feb. 2. 

Admission and parking are both free to the public. Inquiries about the Aloha Fair can be sent to [email protected].

“Hug and Groom” Rescued Horses

Hug and Groom is a monthly event hosted by the Free Rein Foundation where individuals can get close and interact with rescued horses that are part of equine-assisted therapy programs. Participants learn how to groom and care for horses which include mustangs, thoroughbreds and white mules. 

The event takes place at the pasture above the Huntington Park Equestrian Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m and includes free snacks and fruit. Parking is located on Ellis Avenue. 

The cost of attendance is $25 and children under two-years-old may enter for free. All proceeds are used to feed the foundation’s rescued horses. Attendees are asked to where covered shoes and clothes suitable for a dusty pasture. 

September’s Hug and Groom is the first of four events scheduled through December. The remaining Hug and Groom events will be held on Oct. 6, Nov. 3, and Dec. 1. 

Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical British Invasion

Enjoy classic rock cover bands on Sept. 1 at The Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

B Side, a Beatles tribute band, will play from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. before Running Hot, a Rolling Stones cover band, plays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Seating is first come, first serve and food is available to order. 

The Biergarten at Old World HB is located at 7561 Center Ave. The event occurs on the first Sunday of each month. 

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