San Mateo County supervisors moving forward with removing controversial sheriff

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, on Tuesday, voted unanimously to hold a special election that will put foundational change in the hands of county residents.

"We put this on the agenda because we recognize there are a lot of questions about why is this happening," said Dist. 3 Supervisor Noelia Corzo, to a sparsely attended meeting.

The board approved the special election for Mar. 4, 2025. It will allow voters to choose whether to change the charter and allow for the removal, for cause, of a sitting sheriff.

Christina Corpus said she's being targeted by the board's action. She sent a letter which read in part, "The Board of Supervisors and the County Executive Team has appointed itself judge, juror, advocate and executioner..."

"I ask that you continue this matter to protect the sheriff's rights. This is the right thing to do. When you did the pledge of allegiance you said justice for all," said Corpus' attorney, Tom Mazzucco.

A long-simmering feud between the sheriff and county leadership exploded into all-out war last month. Claims of abuse of power, racist texts messages and retaliation against the Deputy Sheriff's Association were documented in a voluminous report authored by retired Superior Court Judge LaDoris Cordell.

The deputy's union (DSA) and the Office of Sheriff's Sergeants (OSS) filed a complaint against Corpus for unfair labor practices. Officials cited a violation of the Brown Act.

"It prohibits an employer from interfering with union matters, retaliation for union business and intimidation of the union," said DSA attorney Sean Currin.

While political pressure for the sheriff to resign mounts, there was push-back from some members of the public at the mid-morning meeting. Some said Corpus, who is in her second year on the job, is doing a good job.

"I think she's done amazing things for the sheriff's office, like crime is down," said Half Moon Bay resident Monica Berlin. "For you, all of you to be attacking her just shows more about you. And I know you're all corrupt."

Some political experts said the board's authorizing a special election, which will cost millions of dollars, could backfire.

"So, the question of, before a voter, do we wanna give this added power to a board of supervisors is a different question than the subsequent one of do we want to remove a sheriff who's accused of impropriety," said Dr. Corey Cook, a political scientist and provost at St. Mary's College. "This changes allocation of powers among independently elected branches of government."

Added Corzo, "I trust the voters of San Mateo County to make informed decisions."

The sheriff had requested an opportunity to address the board.

So, supervisors set Dec. 10 as a date when Corpus can come and give sworn testimony.