In this photo provided by Alex Bello, Fresno resident Pamela Smith and Assemblymember Jim Patterson lay down roses in a ceremony honoring fentanyl overdose victims at a news conference outside of the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, April 18, 2023. Smith’s only son died from a fentanyl overdose in 2016, and she has dedicated her life to fighting the fentanyl crisis. She supports stronger prison sentences for fentanyl dealers and was among dozens of protesters who called on the Assembly public safety to hear fentanyl-related bills. (Alex Bello/California Senate Republican Caucus via AP) 
Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris speaks at a news conference outside of the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, April 20, 2023. Petrie-Norris is among a group of lawmakers who are pushing for harsher fentanyl sentences to control the crisis. (AP Photo/Tran Nguyen) 
Matt Capelouto, whose daughter died from a fentanyl overdose, speaks at a news conference outside of the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, April 18, 2023. Capelouto is among dozens of protesters who called on the Assembly public safety to hear fentanyl-related bills last week as tension mounted over how to address the fentanyl crisis. (AP Photo/Tran Nguyen)
Punishment or prevention: California debates fentanyl crisis
