West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero and the River Cats’ mascot Dinger pose with a memorial poster of Mason Brazil, the son of “Fighting Fentanyl” event coordinator Ricky Brazil, during the second annual event in 2024. Photo courtesy of Ricky Brazil

 

WEST SACRAMENTO (MPG) - According to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, fentanyl deaths have decreased and 114 pounds have been removed from the streets in the past nine months.

A West Sacramento father is holding his annual event “Fighting Fentanyl” to spread awareness and prevent more deaths on June 14 after losing his son to fentanyl poisoning in 2022. 

The awareness event will be held at Victory Outreach Church on Sacramento Avenue in West Sacramento from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., organized by Ricky Brazil, who said he lost his 23-year-old son Mason to fentanyl poisoning. He said he has been active in the community, holding his annual event to help prevent homicides caused by drugs and seeking justice for the distributors. 

“The ones who are hooked on fentanyl, they can’t help themselves,” Ricky Brazil said. “So, we’re offering a lot of resources for the families.” 

Ricky Brazil said this year’s event is focused on finding different outlets for children, expecting a booth from Planet Fitness, where they will be handing out free summer memberships to teenagers. 

A boxing club, the West Sacramento Police Department and West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero are expected to attend, showing their support, as well as Yolo County District Attorney Preston Schwab. Schwab was active on Mason Brazil’s case and has been working closely with Ricky Brazil “since day one.” 

Mason Brazil, son of “Fighting Fentanyl” event coordinator Ricky Brazil, lost his life to fentanyl poisoning in 2022. Photo courtesy of Ricky Brazil

Dignity Health will demonstrate how to administer naloxone, also known as Narcan, Ricky Brazil said. Naloxone is a nasal spray used to combat opioid overdose-related deaths, according to the California Department of Health Care Services.

The Department of Health Care Services distributes naloxone through the Naloxone Distribution Project, providing 4mg of generic naloxone nasal spray throughout California in partnership with the CalRX Naloxone Access Initiative as of May 6, according to their website.

“Now, everybody knows somebody who’s passed or had a bad experience with it,” Ricky Brazil said. 

Starting with roughly 40 attendees at his first event in 2023, Ricky Brazil said he’s seen the crowd grow significantly in just a few years and expects hundreds of attendees at this year’s event. 

Expected in the lineup for food and refreshments are a barbecue held by Victory Outreach Church, Thick Vatos and Tacos, and a Chilly Willy ice cream truck. 

Empower Yolo, an advocacy group against human trafficking are expected to attend along with nearly 80 hot rods, two motorcycle clubs and Dinger from the River Cats. The event will feature live music and 11 to 14 pop-up booths with different resources and everyone encouraged to come show their support, Brazil said.