Opinion: Removing Sheriff Christina Corpus isn't oversight. It's a coup.

"False promise Measure A was promoted as a way to save millions by avoiding lawsuits. Its supporters leaned on a report by retired Judge LaDoris Cordell, an independent investigation that accused Corpus of mismanagement. But the reality was different. The election itself cost at least $4.4 million. The Cordell report has since been discredited missing transcripts, factual errors and even confusion of key witnesses."

"The supervisors then wrote the rules for the procedures, leaving little room for fairness. Deadlines are compressed. Hearsay is admitted. Two supervisors publicly signaled their positions before hearing all the evidence. The hearing officer acknowledged he cannot adjust the rules even when justice demands it. This is not impartial oversight. It is a rushed process designed to ratify a decision already made."

"In the coming weeks, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors will decide whether to remove Sheriff Corpus from office. The vote could come as soon as next week, and the supervisors have emphasized speed over thoughtful consideration. They will act under a provision of the county charter that they drafted after her election and placed on the ballot as Measure A in March 2025. In doing so, they kept final authority for themselves: They control the procedures, select the hearing officer,"

San Mateo County supervisors are preparing to decide whether to remove Sheriff Christina Corpus from office, potentially overturning a voter-mandated result. They placed Measure A on the ballot and retained final authority, controlling procedures, selecting the hearing officer, and determining the outcome. Measure A was promoted as a cost-saving alternative, citing the Cordell report, but the election cost at least $4.4 million and the Cordell report has been discredited for missing transcripts, factual errors, and confused witnesses. County-written rules compress deadlines, admit hearsay, and limit fairness while some supervisors signaled positions before hearings.

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