San Mateo County voters want sheriff out

With the approval for Measure A, the county’s charter will be amended to grant the Board of Supervisors the authority until Dec. 31, 2028, to remove an elected sheriff from office with a four-fifths vote of the board, for just cause, including neglect of duties, misappropriation of public funds or obstructing an investigation. 

At an election night watch party, union members, Measure A proponents and local city councilmembers erupted in cheers while tears were shed as initial results were displayed at 8:10 p.m. from vote-by-mail ballots. 

Carlos Tapia, Deputy Sheriff’s Association president, a key figure in exposing the Corpus administration, spoke to the campaign efforts and community support. 

“This measure upholds the values we all cherish, integrity, transparency and justice,” Tapia said. “We celebrate tonight, but tomorrow we get back to work. Together we will keep pushing, keep organizing and keep fighting for what is right.” 

Public support for personnel within the Sheriff’s Office means the world, DSA Secretary Eliot Storch said.

“What we’ve seen so far we’re very pleased with, it really showed that the message got out there, the public supported us, heard what we were saying, heard our concern,” Storch said. 

Next steps are now in the hands of the Board of Supervisors. 

The board must wait until votes are authorized on Thursday, April 3, before holding a hearing where they would invite Corpus to provide testimony as to why she should remain in her capacity as sheriff, and conduct the vote. 

Supervisors Ray Mueller, Noelia Corzo, Lisa Gauthier and David Canepa have endorsed Measure A. 

Ray Mueller, who has spoken on behalf of the Board of Supervisors on the Sheriff’s Office matter, declined request for comment. 

As personnel members await further action, there still remains lingering fears of retaliation from Corpus on her way out, Storch said. 

“It’s extremely concerning, but the results have shown that our fears are recognized, that the community in this county have our back, so I’m confident that whatever comes our way we’ll be able to get through it just fine,” Storch said. 

Dissatisfaction in Corpus’ tenure has grown significantly in the past year, including deputies and sergeants raising concern over union busting and a scathing independent investigation into her administration by retired Judge LaDoris Cordell. The investigation resulted in an over-400-page report detailing evidence of corruption, nepotism and relation. 

Corpus did not respond to request for comment. 

Semiofficial election results will be updated as counting proceeds. Further results will be posted 4:30 p.m., March 6, March 10, March 12 and March 14. The election will be certified April 3.