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El Dorado Hills Today
By the People, for the People
Moms Recount Losing Kids to Fentanyl in El Dorado Hills
Families and officials gathered to warn about counterfeit pills and carfentanil, citing federal data and local prevention programs.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:06pm
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Six mothers in El Dorado Hills shared the stories of their children who died from overdoses involving counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl or carfentanil, a much more potent synthetic opioid. The public forum served as both a memorial and a warning, with speakers urging parents to treat any pill not from a pharmacy as potentially lethal. Local law enforcement and elected officials also discussed prevention efforts and the legal challenges in responding to the overdose surge.
Why it matters
The event highlighted the growing threat of counterfeit pills containing deadly synthetic opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil, which have led to a surge in overdose deaths nationwide, including in the El Dorado Hills area. It also sparked discussions around the legal and policy landscape for addressing the crisis, including changes to drug sentencing laws and the need for a multi-pronged approach of prevention, treatment, and enforcement.
The details
At the forum held at Marble Valley Academy, six mothers shared the names and stories of their children who died from overdoses involving counterfeit pills. Local law enforcement described efforts to bring drug education and prevention programs into schools. Speakers also referenced high-profile prosecutions, such as the 15-year sentence of Nathaniel Cabacungan for a fentanyl-related case, as examples of the legal tools available to address the crisis.
- The forum took place on Wednesday in El Dorado Hills.
- Federal data shows that overdose deaths involving carfentanil rose roughly sevenfold between early 2023 and the first half of 2024.
The players
Kelley Nalewaja
The organizer of the forum, whose son Michael's death is under federal investigation.
Deacon Brian Smith
One of the speakers at the forum.
Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil
One of the speakers at the forum.
Jewels Marie Wolf
A 15-year-old whose death drew wide attention, and the seller was later prosecuted.
Nathaniel Cabacungan
Sentenced to 15 years to life after pleading guilty in a fentanyl-related case.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
The takeaway
This event underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the overdose crisis, including enhanced prevention efforts, increased access to treatment and recovery services, and targeted enforcement against those who distribute deadly counterfeit pills. The community's call to action highlights the human toll of this public health emergency and the determination to save lives.
