City Attorney

The City Council appoints a city attorney to whom it turns to for legal advice. He/she attends Council meetings to advise on points of the law and to ensure that all proper procedures are maintained. The City Attorney also provides legal advice and represents the City Council, City Manager, City departments and other City boards and commissions on legal matters.  The City Attorney is responsible for drafting ordinances, reviewing contracts and prosecuting municipal code violations.

Heather Whitham

The City contracts for outside legal counsel with the law firm of Carmel & Naccasha LLP. Heather is a partner at Carmel & Naccasha with over 20 years of experience working directly with municipalities. She focuses the majority of her practice representing public agencies, and currently serves as the City Attorney for the City of Arroyo Grande.

Carmel and Naccasha LLP Sign

Please be advised that communications directed to the City, its legislative bodies and their members (i.e., City Council, Planning Commission) or City staff are public records, and are subject to disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act and Brown Act unless exempt from disclosure under the applicable law.