UPDATE: San Mateo County is on the brink of a significant leadership change as the Board of Supervisors has narrowed down the selection for the new sheriff to three finalists. This decision comes after a series of intense presentations and interviews held on November 9, 2023, and follows the historic ousting of former Sheriff Christina Corpus amid allegations of misconduct.
The finalists are David Lazar, a retired assistant chief from the San Francisco Police Department; Kenneth Binder, the interim police chief in Gilroy and former undersheriff of Santa Clara County; and Brian Wynn Huynh Travis, the chief of police at Solano Community College District. Each candidate brings a wealth of experience and distinct leadership styles to the table as they prepare to lead a department with approximately 800 employees and an operating budget of around $300 million.
This urgent selection process is significant as it allows the board to appoint a new sheriff, bypassing a costly election due to the passage of Measure A earlier this year. The measure grants the board the power to fill a sheriff’s vacancy until 2028.
During the selection meeting, all five supervisors voted unanimously for Lazar, who emphasizes nurturing leadership from within the department. His career in law enforcement has deep roots in San Francisco, inspired by his upbringing as the child of a single mother who was a 911 dispatcher. “What they need is leadership that can develop, that can mentor, and that can bring up the next generation,” Lazar stated, reflecting his commitment to ethical practices and transparency.
Binder, currently serving as interim police chief, has a reputation for restoring stability following tumultuous times in Santa Clara County. He briefly filled in as acting sheriff during a civil corruption trial that led to the resignation of former Sheriff Laurie Smith. “I always treated people fairly… I had a level of respect there where I was able to provide some stability to the organization,” Binder noted, emphasizing his focus on building trust within the ranks of law enforcement.
Travis, who garnered four votes from the supervisors, brings a unique perspective as a native of San Mateo County and a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Army. His application is driven by a desire to create an environment of integrity and care in the Sheriff’s Office. “This is a chance to reset… to show our deputies that their dedication matters,” he said, underlining his commitment to fiscal responsibility and community trust.
The public will have the opportunity to engage with all three candidates during a question-and-answer session scheduled for 6 p.m. on November 10. As of now, over 200 questions have been submitted by community members. The Board of Supervisors is expected to conduct final interviews and announce the new sheriff on November 12 at 9 a.m.
This pivotal moment not only reshapes the leadership of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office but also reflects the community’s call for accountability and transparency in law enforcement. With the selection process heating up, local residents are eager to see who will take the helm during this critical transition.
Stay tuned for live updates as this story develops.
