UPDATE: San Mateo County has just announced its top three finalists for the sheriff position, following a marathon selection process that narrowed down a field of 12 applicants. This critical decision comes after the historic ousting of former Sheriff Christina Corpus, the first in California history, due to allegations of conflict of interest and retaliation against deputies.
The finalists are David Lazar, a retired San Francisco Police Department assistant chief; Kenneth Binder, the interim police chief in Gilroy and former Santa Clara County undersheriff; and Brian Wynn Huynh Travis, chief of police for the Solano Community College District. The new sheriff will oversee a department with around 800 employees and a budget of approximately $300 million.
This appointment is particularly urgent as it comes at a time of significant transition for the sheriff’s office. The Board of Supervisors is empowered to make this selection due to the recent passage of Measure A, allowing them to appoint a replacement until 2028, avoiding a costly election process.
All three candidates bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the table, crucial for leading the department through these turbulent times. Lazar, who received support from all five supervisors, emphasized the need for internal leadership development. “What they need is leadership that can develop, that can mentor, and that can bring up the next generation,” he stated during his presentation.
Binder, who took over as Santa Clara County’s acting sheriff amid a corruption scandal, aims to restore trust and stability. “I always treated people fairly… I had a level of respect there where I was able to provide some stability to the organization,” he remarked, underlining his commitment to transparency and collaboration.
Travis, a San Mateo County native and U.S. Army veteran, highlighted the importance of integrity and dedication within the sheriff’s office. He addressed fiscal management challenges, promising to conduct a forensic study of departmental finances to rebuild cash reserves that recently dropped below 0.5%.
The urgency of this appointment is underscored by the board’s recent decisions to tighten oversight on contracts and procurements, indicating a need for a sheriff who can effectively manage resources and rebuild community trust.
All three finalists will participate in a public question-and-answer session at 6 p.m. on November 10, where the community can engage and submit questions—over 200 questions have already been received. The Board of Supervisors is expected to conduct final interviews and announce the new sheriff at 9 a.m. on November 12.
This is a pivotal moment for San Mateo County, as the new sheriff will play a crucial role in restoring confidence in law enforcement and navigating the department through its ongoing challenges. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
