Episode Summary: "How Alexandra Capelouto's Memory Became A Focal Point In California's Prop 36"

Podcast Information:

• Title: We're Out of Time
• Host: Richard Tate
• Episode: How Alexandra Capelouto's Memory Became A Focal Point In California's Prop 36
• Release Date: April 29, 2025

Introduction

In this emotionally charged episode of "We're Out of Time," host Richard Tate sits down with Matt Capelouto, the father of Alexandra Capelouto, to discuss the devastating fentanyl crisis and the legislative efforts spearheaded in memory of his daughter. The conversation delves deep into Alexandra's life, her struggle with substance use, the legal battles following her untimely death, and the broader implications for policy and community action.

Honoring Families Lost to Fentanyl

[02:12] Richard Tate:
"Today's fentanyl awareness day. And what we're going to do for that is, is we're going to honor the families who have lost their loved ones to fentanyl."

Richard introduces Matt Capelouto, highlighting the purpose of the episode—to honor families affected by fentanyl and to shed light on the urgent need for change.

Alexandra Capelouto: A Brilliant and Empathetic Soul

[03:06] Matt Capelouto:
"If you ask that to Alexandra, she would say everybody's special, not just her."

Matt shares a heartfelt tribute to his daughter, Alexandra, emphasizing her exceptional intelligence and empathetic nature. Alexandra excelled academically, earning a full scholarship to college, and was known for her quick wit and unwavering care for others. However, her deep empathy led her to bear the emotional burdens of those around her, ultimately resulting in her self-medication with substances.

The Struggle with Mental Health and Substance Use

[03:31] Matt Capelouto:
"She was very smart. She had an IQ that was off the chart... So many people who turn to substances, I believe, are these deep empaths."

Matt discusses Alexandra's diagnosis with major depressive disorder and her coping mechanisms. Despite her outward success, she struggled internally, feeling immense pressure to help others, which led her to self-medicate with painkillers like Percocet. This segment highlights the often-overlooked connection between empathy, mental health, and substance use.

[06:08] Matt Capelouto:
"Alexandra was seeking Percocet. It's a painkiller... people put this stigma on those who use drugs. That's completely unjust."

He underscores the unfair stigma associated with substance use, contrasting it with other harmful behaviors that society often overlooks.

The Tragic Night and Legal Consequences

[07:42] Matt Capelouto:
"Mom, I don't know what it is going to be, but God spoke to me and said I was going to save lives."

On the eve of her death, Alexandra expressed a profound sense of purpose despite her struggles. Matt recounts the tragic circumstances of her passing due to fentanyl-laced pills and the subsequent legal actions against the dealer responsible.

[12:12] Matt Capelouto:
"He will not be able to dismiss this judgment ever. That will follow him for the rest of his life."

Matt details the legal ramifications for the drug dealer, highlighting a significant victory in a wrongful death lawsuit that ensures lasting accountability.

Introducing Alexandra's Law

[17:36] Matt Capelouto:
"If somebody is convicted of a drug offense, they're going to get an admonishment... and if your continued activity leads to someone's death, you can be held accountable for murder."

Alexandra's Law was introduced to address the challenges in holding drug dealers accountable for deaths resulting from fentanyl distribution. Matt explains the intent behind the law: to impose a legal warning (admonishment) on drug offenders, escalating to second-degree murder charges if their actions result in a death.

Legislative Hurdles and Prop 36 Passage

[21:47] Matt Capelouto:
"We introduced this in 2020... but we couldn't get it passed out of the Public Safety Committee."

Despite significant support, Alexandra's Law faced resistance within the California State Legislature, leading to its eventual inclusion in Prop 36, a comprehensive ballot measure.

[42:21] Matt Capelouto:
"Prop 36 passed overwhelmingly. Just over 70% of Californians voted and supported it like one of the highest ballot measures in that Californian supported in history."

Prop 36, incorporating Alexandra's Law, was approved by a substantial majority, reflecting widespread public demand for stronger measures against fentanyl distribution.

Enforcement and Federal Strategies

The conversation shifts to the broader federal response to the fentanyl crisis, highlighting actions by Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hawkman and President Trump's administration.

[25:58] Richard Tate:
"...disrupted domestic fentanyl labs and pill mills with DEA task forces... strengthened the border detection tech and canine units at ports of entry... expanded access to naloxone..."

Key initiatives include dismantling production and distribution networks, enhancing border security, increasing access to life-saving naloxone, and implementing educational campaigns in schools.

Impact on Overdose Deaths and Addiction

[34:22] Matt Capelouto:
"Less than 2% of all drug deaths result in the conviction of a drug dealer. Less than 2% of these drug dealers should be getting away with murder."

While there has been a slight decrease in overdose deaths due to increased awareness and naloxone availability, addiction rates remain alarmingly high. Matt emphasizes the need for comprehensive education and treatment programs to prevent and address addiction.

The Admonishment System: Potential and Limitations

Matt explains how the admonishment system works under Alexandra's Law, drawing parallels to DUI legislation.

[52:45] Matt Capelouto:
"There's going to be an element of people that are going to have that weigh in on them, on their conscience, and they are going to abide by it."

While some argue that the admonishment may have limited immediate impact, Matt believes it serves as a significant deterrent for many, reducing the likelihood of repeat offenses and potentially preventing future deaths.

Community Support and Future Initiatives

Matt urges listeners to support the fight against fentanyl through his nonprofit, Stop Drug Homicide, and encourages community involvement and advocacy.

[57:57] Matt Capelouto:
"I work with a network of parents that are all out there fighting the good fight."

Additionally, Richard proposes creating a short documentary about Alexandra to educate students nationwide, aiming to prevent similar tragedies through awareness and personal storytelling.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a call to action, emphasizing the urgent need to combat the fentanyl crisis through legislative action, community support, and comprehensive education.

[60:53] Richard Tate:
"I'm out of time. It's about the lives that are going to be lost if we don't step up and do something now."

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to amplify the message and support ongoing efforts to address the fentanyl epidemic.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Capelouto [00:00]:
  "It's about the lives that are going to be lost if we don't step up and do something now. Like you said, we're out of time."

• Matt Capelouto [07:42]:
  "Mom, I don't know what it is going to be, but God spoke to me and said I was going to save lives."

• Matt Capelouto [12:12]:
  "He will not be able to dismiss this judgment ever. That will follow him for the rest of his life."

• Matt Capelouto [42:21]:
  "Prop 36 passed overwhelmingly. Just over 70% of Californians voted and supported it like one of the highest ballot measures in that Californian supported in history."

• Matt Capelouto [57:57]:
  "I work with a network of parents that are all out there fighting the good fight."

• Richard Tate [60:53]:
  "It's about the lives that are going to be lost if we don't step up and do something now."

How to Support

Listeners moved by Alexandra's story and Matt's advocacy can support the mission by:

1. Engaging with Stop Drug Homicide:
   Visit stopdrughomicide.org to connect with support networks and resources.

2. Spreading Awareness:
   Share the podcast with friends, family, and community members to amplify the message.

3. Advocating for Policy Change:
   Advocate for the implementation of Alexandra's Law and support legislative measures aimed at combating the fentanyl crisis.

4. Participating in Educational Initiatives:
   Support the creation and dissemination of educational materials, such as the proposed documentary about Alexandra, to educate youth and prevent future tragedies.

Subscribe, rate, and review "We're Out of Time" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Share the podcast with others who will find value in this critical conversation.