Public Safety · El Dorado County
Approximately 85,698 Pacific Gas and Electric Co. customers remained without electricity across California on Friday morning as wildfire-prevention public safety power shutoffs entered their third day. Nearly 20,000 customers in El Dorado, Placer, and Amador counties were still affected, along with thousands more in Nevada, Yuba, Calaveras, San Luis Obispo, Madera, and Tuolumne counties. PG&E estimated power would return by Saturday morning or noon in many Sierra Nevada foothill communities, though restoration depends on safe weather conditions and equipment inspections. The utility activated its Emergency Operations Center in Vacaville and opened community resource centers for charging devices, Wi-Fi access, and supplies.
Local Politics · El Dorado County
El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf announced this week that his last day will be Dec. 25, 2026, completing the four-year term he won in the 2022 election after 36 years with the sheriff's office. Leikauf has recommended Undersheriff Eric Palmberg as his successor. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider Palmberg's appointment next week; if approved, he would assume the role Dec. 26 and serve through Jan. 8, 2029. Palmberg has served 19 years with the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and held the undersheriff position since November 2025.
Crime · Sacramento, CA
Sacramento County sheriff's homicide detectives arrested Gurinder Singh Gill, 28, on suspicion of murdering his wife Jasmine Gill, 30, who was last seen alive Sept. 30 at their Sacramento home. Her cousin reported her missing Oct. 4, and burned human remains discovered in El Dorado County on Oct. 1 were later identified as hers. Gurinder Gill initially claimed ICE agents had detained his wife, but ICE confirmed no enforcement activity occurred at the home; detectives noted inconsistencies in his statements amid an ongoing divorce and custody dispute. He was arraigned Friday afternoon on a murder charge and held without bail at Sacramento County Main Jail.
