WHAT
The Coalition for a Safer San Mateo County is holding a press conference and rally to support independent civilian oversight of the Sheriff’s Office. The rally will be headlined by Redwood City Vice Mayor Lissette Espinoza-Garnica, South San Francisco City Councilmember James Coleman, and Fixin’ San Mateo County Board Chair Jim Lawrence, together with a prayer led by the Reverend Penny Nixon of the Peninsula Solidarity Cohort. The Raging Grannies Action League will perform and lead the group in chants and music.
WHO
The Coalition for a Safer San Mateo County is composed of 33 San Mateo County organizations with an estimated combined membership of 5,000, which are advocating for an independent civilian oversight board and an Inspector General.
WHEN
The events will be held at 8:30 am on September 12th
WHERE
Hall of Justice Plaza, 400 County Center, Redwood City
WHY
Lígia Andráde Zúñiga, President of the LatinX Democratic Club of San Mateo County, said, “In order for our communities across San Mateo County to be safe, we need accountability and transparency that only comes with oversight. Our county must provide the same protection and policing for all its residents.”
Organized by Fixin’ San Mateo County, the push for oversight comes after many incidents of police brutality and over-policing disproportionately impact communities of color. More specifically, Chinedu Okobi, a 36-year-old Black resident of San Mateo, was killed by police after they attempted to stop him while jaywalking. Assembly Bill 1185 authorizes a county to establish a sheriff oversight board, either by action of the board of supervisors or through a vote of county residents.
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to create a subcommittee to research oversight models, and in November, voted to move ahead with the creation of an ordinance that would incorporate both the civilian board and Inspector General that Fixin’ SMC had recommended.