Christina Corpus, the first Latina sheriff of San Mateo County, has shifted her stance regarding her removal hearing, now calling for it to be open to public attendance instead of private proceedings. Her office framed this decision as essential for transparency, believing the public deserves to hear the truth without political manipulation. This reversal occurs after advocacy from the First Amendment Coalition pressed for an open hearing. The upcoming hearing, scheduled for August 18-29, follows a Board of Supervisors vote to remove her over corruption and misconduct allegations, which she seeks to contest publicly.
Sheriff Christina Corpus has reversed her earlier request to close the county hearing regarding her removal from office, now advocating for it to be open to the public. She stated that "the people of San Mateo County deserve to hear the truth directly, not filtered through political agendas, biased narratives, erroneous reports, or closed-door deliberations." This significant change follows pressure from advocacy groups who warned that closing the hearing could lead to legal ramifications for the county.
Corpus had initially sought to close the removal hearing, invoking the Peace Officer Bill of Rights to protect personnel records. However, after calls for transparency from the First Amendment Coalition, she decided the truth should be heard publicly, believing it to be in the best interest of the county.
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted to remove Corpus, exercising powers granted by voters through Measure A. The upcoming hearing, led by retired judge James Emerson, is set for August 18-29 and will evaluate the allegations of misconduct against her.
Corpus faces multiple removal efforts related to corruption accusations, with both a Board of Supervisors' action and a civil grand jury allegation pending. Her leadership as the first Latina sheriff in the county is currently clouded by these serious accusations.
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