By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. March 4, 2026
PLACERVILLE, Calif. — Community members will have an opportunity to learn how to recognize and prevent human trafficking during a free public safety symposium scheduled for March 8 in Placerville.
The event will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Green Valley Community Church, 3500 Missouri Flat Road, and is designed to educate families, educators and residents about the warning signs of trafficking and ways to safeguard children.
Organizers say attendees will hear directly from law enforcement and anti-trafficking advocates working on the front lines of prevention and enforcement efforts across the region.
Speakers scheduled to participate include Ken Byrnes, founder of the Drive4Impact Foundation; El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf; members of the sheriff’s High Tech Crimes Unit and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including Aaron Cuddeback and Michael Muckerheide; and Sacramento County Sheriff’s Lt. Nate Grgich, who works with regional trafficking and violent crimes task forces.
According to information shared by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, the goal of the symposium is to equip community members with practical knowledge that could help protect vulnerable individuals.
“The goal is to empower people with knowledge and tools to help protect children from trafficking,” organizers said in a statement posted with the event announcement.
Participants will also be able to ask questions and learn about real-world cases, online safety concerns and ways community members can recognize potential red flags.
The event is hosted with support from the Drive4Impact Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on assisting victims of human trafficking and domestic violence while supporting law enforcement efforts and prevention programs.
Foundation organizers say their initiatives have included anti-trafficking awareness seminars across Sacramento and El Dorado counties, school-based education programs and assistance for youth transitioning out of foster care. The group has also helped support law enforcement operations targeting traffickers and other violent offenders in the region.
Advocates emphasize that public awareness plays a crucial role in identifying victims who may be reluctant or unable to ask for help.
One key tip highlighted by organizers involves changing how people approach potential victims.
Instead of asking if someone is “okay,” which victims often feel pressured to affirm, advocates suggest asking a more direct question: “Do you feel safe?”
That question, organizers say, can sometimes open the door for someone in danger to ask for help.
People interested in attending the Placerville symposium can view the event flyer or register online at drive4impact.org.
Organizers say the goal is simple: “Be a driver of change and make an impact against human trafficking.”
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