The turmoil at the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office continues as evidence confirming Sheriff Christina Corpus's use of homophobic slurs and inappropriate conduct surfaced, prompting County Supervisor Ray Mueller to push for her resignation. This was backed by the County of San Mateo, which supported allegations of Corpus's behavior and impropriety in directing an undersheriff to act on behalf of a then-non-employee regarding gun safe codes.
The Board of Supervisors, in pursuit of accountability, unanimously agreed to proceed with a County Charter amendment potentially allowing voters to remove a sheriff under certain conditions quickly. This decision was made after the sheriff's office reportedly continued to lose staff. Supervisor Mueller highlighted the office's instability, noting, as per the San Mateo County government's news releases that "nearly all of the executive and command staff were hired or promoted by Corpus," which contrasts with her claims of fighting an entrenched "old boys network."
The vote against Sheriff Corpus was also reinforced by a symbolic no-confidence vote from the Board of Supervisors, as reported by Hoodline. Despite the pressure, Corpus has chosen not to resign and has instead doubled down on her position, stating that the board's actions are "wrongheaded and anti-democratic" and affirming her commitment to her role and the public safety initiatives underway within her department.
The Board of Supervisors is taking actions beyond the vote, including legally reviewing Corpus's personnel decisions and barring Victor Aenlle from county facilities. These decisions come as the sheriff's department faces significant attrition within its higher ranks. County Supervisor Noelia Corzo stressed the need for trustworthy leadership, particularly highlighting the disappointing impact on Latino communities who had supported Corpus. "We need a sheriff we can trust," Corzo told the public, as cited by the County of San Mateo.