By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (April 12, 2025) —
PLACERVILLE, Calif. — El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf and District Attorney Vern Pierson expressed strong opposition to proposed California harm reduction legislation during an appearance on the “John McGinness Show” on KFBK News Radio on April 3. The officials highlighted the potential risks the legislation poses to vulnerable populations and public safety.
Sheriff Leikauf emphasized the fire hazards associated with the use of certain drug paraphernalia provided under harm reduction policies. He noted that the process often requires high heat, increasing the risk of fires, particularly among the unhoused population. “It takes a torch to heat these up to a certain temperature for these to work,” Leikauf stated. He further revealed that in the previous year, the county recorded 28 fires linked to such activities among individuals in shelters .
District Attorney Pierson criticized the state’s approach, asserting that local authorities are better equipped to handle these issues. “We’re better at dealing with this problem than you are,” he remarked, addressing the state government’s handling of harm reduction strategies .
The discussion on the “John McGinness Show,” hosted by former Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness, brought to light the concerns of local law enforcement regarding state-level policies. The show, broadcast on KFBK News Radio, serves as a platform for in-depth discussions on public safety and policy matters affecting the region.
As the debate over harm reduction strategies continues, El Dorado County officials advocate for approaches that prioritize community safety and address the unique challenges faced by their constituents.
For more information on this topic, listen to the full episode of the “John McGinness Show” from April 3, available on iHeartRadio.
