City Attorney

The City Attorney is appointed by the City Council to act as the city's general counsel. The City Attorney serves as chief legal adviser to the elected City Council, the City Manager, city departments, and all appointed boards and commissions. The City Attorney attends all meetings of the City Council, and other boards and commissions as necessary and provides them with legal advice.

Other responsibilities include managing outside attorneys, reviewing and negotiating contracts and agreements, and providing advice on labor and employment issues.  At the direction of the city, the City Attorney and his deputies also:

• Provide legal opinions when requested by the City Council and City Manager
• Help draft and review legislation, such as changes to the municipal code and council resolutions
• Enforce city laws and regulations, including violations of the municipal Code
• Represent the city in civil court actions and administrative proceedings
• Review and analyze state and federal legislation affecting the city
• Act as general counsel to the Successor Agency to the Santee Community Development Commission, the Santee Public Financing Authority and the city's Santee Manufactured Home Fair Practices Commission

The City Attorney's Office does not provide private legal advice to citizens nor does it prosecute state or federal criminal laws.

If you wish to report a violation of state law, contact the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department or the San Diego County District Attorney's Office.