Sheriff Finalists Share Their Vision in Candidate Forum

Redwood City - San Mateo County residents heard directly from the three finalists seeking appointment as the next sheriff during a Monday evening public candidate forum, one of several open meetings designed to ensure transparency and community participation in the selection process.

"We really appreciate the level of community interest and participation," said Board of Supervisors President David Canepa. "Monday's forum was an important step, and we look forward to hearing from residents again before the Board makes its decision."

"The forum was a great opportunity to hear different perspectives," said Supervisor Lisa Gauthier. "We hope folks used this opportunity to weigh in and participate in this community-centered process to choose our next sheriff."

Held in the Board Chambers and streamed live online, the Nov. 10 forum gave residents the chance to hear each finalist discuss their vision for the Sheriff's Office and respond to questions from the public on issues including community policing, accountability, transparency, immigration enforcement and other key public safety concerns.

"The questions shared by members of our community demonstrate how much people care about public safety in our county," said Supervisor Ray Mueller. "We encourage everyone to stay involved and follow Wednesday's meeting."

The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to interview the finalists and consider appointing one of them as the new sheriff at a special meeting set for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, in the Board Chambers, 500 County Center, Redwood City.

The three finalists are:

• Kenneth Binder, Interim Chief of Police for the City of Gilroy and former Undersheriff of the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office.
• David Lazar, retired Assistant Chief with the San Francisco Police Department, where he served for more than three decades.
• Brian Wynn Huynh Travis, Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety for the Solano Community College District and a retired U.S. Army Major.

More information about the finalists - including their résumés, short videos and application materials - is posted at smcgov.org/ceo/new-sheriff.

Moderators Jim Delia and Teri Black facilitated Monday's forum, which is part of a series of public meetings in the Board of Supervisors' effort to fill the vacancy leading the Sheriff's Office, San Mateo County's largest law-enforcement agency.

Residents submitted nearly 400 questions online and by completing written cards at places like local Core Service Agencies and libraries in advance of Monday's forum. Submissions were grouped by theme and used to formulate the questions posed to the candidates that reflected the community's top priorities and concerns.

"The thoughtful questions and comments from San Mateo County residents are essential to our deliberations in appointing a new sheriff," said Supervisor Jackie Speier. "I'm grateful for their participation and patience throughout this crisis. With the public's input, the board will make an informed decision and we will move forward clear-eyed."

"Tonight is another important step towards transparent and ethical leadership for our Sheriff's Office," said Supervisor Noelia Corzo. "I'm grateful for the voices of our county residents in this process and hope that you'll join us for the final meeting on Wednesday at 9am."

The meetings - from the Board interviewing the candidates in public to last evening's public forum to Wednesday's decision - are taking place in full public view. Transparency has guided the process from the start, supported by a wide-ranging public awareness and engagement campaign in multiple languages, through local media, advertisements, print materials and social media.

Recruitment opened on October 29 and closed November 5. The Board of Supervisors interviewed six candidates on November 6, and selected the three finalists to advance to Monday's candidate forum.

The process is scheduled to conclude with final Board interviews of the finalists at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, and vote on an appointment of a new sheriff.

The meetings will take place in the Board Chambers, 500 County Center, Redwood City, and will be streamed live at https://smcgov.zoom.us/j/93947461343. Spanish interpretation will be available. Residents requesting accessibility accommodations may call 650-363-4123 or email [email protected] in advance of the meeting.

Under Section 415 of the County Charter, the Board must fill the vacancy in the Office of Sheriff by Nov. 13, 2025. An appointed sheriff must meet all applicable legal and professional requirements, including certification from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) or equivalent experience.

Learn more and discover ways to participate at smcgov.org/ceo/new-sheriff.

Effie Milionis Verducci
Interim Director of Strategic Communications
650-407-4915
[email protected]