Local Politics · El Dorado County
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors will consider appointing a new sheriff Tuesday to replace retiring Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, who served 36 years with the office and announced his retirement effective through Christmas. Leikauf recommended Undersheriff Eric Palmberg as successor, while former Sheriff John D'Agostini, who led the department for 12 years, has also sought the appointment to fill the remainder of the term ending Jan. 8, 2029. Supervisor Brian Veerkamp urged postponing the decision for a competitive selection process, and dozens of public letters addressed the board on whether to proceed immediately or allow more community input.
Transportation · El Dorado County
A head-on crash involving two vehicles on U.S. Highway 50 in the Sierra near Kyburz was reported just before 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, according to the California Highway Patrol. One vehicle may have gone off the roadway into water, and major injuries were reported. Caltrans and the CHP Placerville office closed U.S. 50 just west of 30 Mile Stone Tract with no estimated time of reopening, directing drivers to find alternative routes. No further details on injuries or crash circumstances were immediately available.
Public Safety · El Dorado County
A pedestrian was killed shortly before 3:30 a.m. Monday in a suspected hit-and-run collision on Lotus Road near Coloma Road and Highway 49 in the community of Lotus, El Dorado County, California. The California Highway Patrol identified an SUV as the suspected vehicle and searched for it Monday morning. The collision prompted a closure of Lotus Road between Henningsen Park and Highway 49, according to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office.
Public Safety · El Dorado County
A wildfire named Springs Fire was first discovered at 7:52 p.m. on Oct. 19, burning on private land in El Dorado County, California. As of the report's publication at 8:27 p.m., no containment data was available and the cause had not been determined. The information was sourced from the National Interagency Fire Center.
Public Safety · El Dorado County
A prescribed burn called Sly Park was initiated at 10:44 a.m. on Oct. 19 in El Dorado County, California. The controlled fire is a wildfire-prevention method that reduces fuel loads to minimize the risk of catastrophic wildfires. No specifics were provided on the extent of land burned or the size of the crew conducting the operation. The information was sourced from the National Interagency Fire Center.
