Local Tragedy Prompts Passage of Teen '911 Immunity' Bill

Last year's tragic death of South Pasadena High School senior Aydin Salek due to alcohol poisoning affected the student body, the community at large and also state Assemblyman Anthony Portantino ( D-La Canada Flintridge), who personally knew Salek as the bright summer intern who worked in his office.

California recently passed a bill introduced by Portantino offering immunity to teens who have been drinking alcohol and call 911 for emergency medical attention. Portantino's connection to Salek made this bill even more personal.

The new laws goes into effect Jan. 1, 2011, and encourages teens to seek help if a friend has consumed too much alcohol.

Salek died last December after attending a local party where alcohol was served. His friends did not call police because they said they feared prosecution for drinking under the age limit. Under the bill, one or two young people who call 911 for help and stay with the underage drinker will receive limited immunity.

"As the father of a teenager, I hope for what all parents hope for, that if our children ever need help, their companions will make the right decision and call 911," Portantino said.

"This will serve as a benefit by encouraging young people to make the 911 call," said Joel Shapiro, superintendent of South Pasadena Unified School District. He said the school district will also hold a Parent Teacher Student Association-sponsored community forum presenting speakers who will discuss the dangers of alcohol and drugs.

Kathy Hernandez--the Parent Teacher Association president at La Canada Flintridge High School who suggested this legislation to Assemblymember Portantino after Salek's death--said the bill can prevent future deaths from alcohol poisoning.

"In the future, incidents like this won't happen," Hernandez said. The mother of a teenage daughter who met Salek just a few days before his death, Hernandez said the bill will help keep kids safe.

"I would love it if kids would not drink if they're under age, but there are kids that do," she said. "This does not mean we're endorsing underage drinking; we're just trying to be realistic," she said.

Salek's mother, Azita Rezvan, said she supported Portantino's effort to pass the bill. "Although it is too late for us, we hope it saves others' lives," she said.

After her son's death last year, Rezvan established a charitable fund in her son's memory. The memorial fund will annually grant an award to a South Pasadena High School senior who embodies Salek's spirit and personal attributes.