Millbrae: No confidence in sheriff

The no confidence vote comes as a special election for a charter amendment that could be used to oust the sheriff — Measure A — draws closer. Beginning Monday, San Mateo County voters will receive ballots allowing them to grant the Board of Supervisors the authority to remove an elected sheriff from office until December 2028. 

Councilmembers cited an extensive investigation conducted by retired Judge LaDoris Cordell that detailed intimidation, conflicts of interests and abuse of authority within her office, as well as the negative impact on morale and trust that the scandal had on Millbrae’s own law enforcement officers. 

“Over time, this does take a toll on men and women who work here at our Millbrae substation and throughout the county,” Vice Mayor Reuben Holober said. “The culture of retaliation is very well documented, and something that should not be part of a work environment at any level.” 

Holober pointed to the firing of Assistant Sheriff Ryan Monaghan — which came after his cooperation with Cordell’s investigation — as well as the arrest of Carlos Tapia, the president of the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and a key whistleblower. Tapia’s arrest was deemed wrongful and unnecessary by the district attorney. 

Tapia’s daughter, Vanessa Tapia, spoke in favor of the resolution during the meeting. 

“Our community is at a crossroads, and we deserve leadership that inspires trust and unity, not division and doubt,” she said. “Supporting this vote of no confidence would send a strong message to our deputies, staff and residents that this council is committed to accountability.” 

Corpus has repeatedly denied the allegations outlined in the Cordell report and stated her opposition to the charter amendment.

While a majority of public speakers encouraged the City Council to follow through with the resolution, some, like Jeff Steinberg, defended Corpus. He encouraged councilmembers to get her side of the story before calling on her to resign. 

“I’m here to speak in support of Sheriff Corpus. I know her in my capacity of doing equity, social justice and civil rights work. I’ve been with her, talked to her deeply, understand her belief in equity and diversity,” he said. “A decision is made when all the evidence is heard and I’m not sure all the evidence is out yet.” 

Councilmembers maintained that the intent of the resolution was not to involve the city in county politics, but to support those who deliver Millbrae’s public safety. 

The situation within the Sheriff’s Office is ultimately a leadership issue, Councilmember Stephen Rainaldi said. 

“I don’t think any of us take this public safety delivery, nor the well-being of the staff — whom we all consider members of the community and deliver excellent service — lightly,” he said. “As such, I’ll be supporting this resolution.” 

Former Millbrae Mayor Gina Papan — who advocated for such a resolution during her time on the City Council — also spoke at the meeting to support the no confidence vote. 

“You believe in public safety? If you say that, you should, and you must, support the vote of no confidence for this sheriff,” she said.