Redwood City endorses Measure A

Internal staff concerns were substantiated by way of an investigative report conducted by retired Judge LaDoris Cordell, finding evidence of retaliation, nepotism and misconduct at the hands of Corpus and her executive team. 

The endorsement was proposed by Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos, who announced he was doing so after speaking at a recent Yes on Measure A campaign press conference. The mayor said it was imperative the council make its position known for the sake of its residents’ knowledge and safety. 

Although the city does not contract policing services with the Sheriff’s Office, Martínez Saballos said there is reason to weigh in on the matter, including the fact that the two county correctional facilities are in Redwood City, deputies conduct transit policing, and various Sheriff’s Office task forces benefit the county at large, including city residents. 

Additionally, the mayor emphasized that “some of our residents are incarcerated and depend on the services of the Sheriff’s Office,” and could be at risk given the workplace concerns deputies have raised. 

The action to endorse Measure A was proposed through a council referral by Martínez Saballos, meaning it was not an item city staff studied prior or intended to bring to councilmembers. The referral prompts a discussion and allows for councilmembers to direct staff to research more for future consideration or adopt the proposed resolution immediately. 

“I don’t take referrals lightly, I wouldn’t be introducing this item if I didn’t think it had direct implications for our community or its well-being,” Martínez Saballos said. “This unprecedented crisis that has enveloped the Sheriff’s Office due to Sheriff Corpus’ leadership jeopardizes our community’s safety, it corrodes our community’s trust in law enforcement.” 

Corpus said in a statement she believes it is inappropriate for city officials to “engage in politically motivated attacks on county matters — particularly against the highest elected law enforcement official in the county, the sheriff.” She described the endorsement vote as a distraction. 

“When city leaders shift their focus from their municipal responsibilities to engage in political rhetoric against the Sheriff’s Office, they not only undermine the integrity of our democratic process but also neglect the pressing issues within their own communities,” Corpus wrote. 

Although Councilmember Isabella Chu hesitated to endorse the ballot measure because she doesn’t take “overriding the outcome of an election lightly,” she said the evidence of misconduct is clear. 

“Having integrity and trust in law enforcement is more important than it has ever been,” Chu said. 

Redwood City’s proximity to North Fair Oaks, an unincorporated area the Sheriff’s Office patrols, also presented a rationale for councilmembers to deliberate on the matter as it can be considered in the council’s sphere of influence. 

Chu’s District 4 borders directly on the neighborhood and she said it’s important that the city be able to work closely with the Sheriff’s Office in keeping residents safe, regardless of what side of the street they live on. 

Amid calls for resignation and the county-led effort to remove her from office, Corpus said she remains focused on “working to modernize law enforcement, enhance community trust, and ensure safety for all.” 

“I welcome constructive dialogue and collaboration with city leaders who share these priorities,” Corpus wrote. 

Similar to Chu’s hesitation, Councilmember Marcella Padilla also voiced that she strongly believes in democratic processes and hopes the proposed charter amendment “isn’t a precedent for eroding the voice of voters.” However, she ultimately voted in favor of endorsing the measure, understanding the need to respond to instances of abuse of power. 

“I think it is important to stress that the voter’s voice is very important,” Padilla said. “I think they’ll have the opportunity on this ballot to express themselves.” 

The council voted 6-0 in favor of endorsing Measure A, with Councilmember Jeff Gee recusing himself for serving on a board of a nonprofit that contracts with the Sheriff’s Office.