City Attorney to Step Down

After nine months as city attorney, Roxanne Diaz of Richards, Watson & Gershon has announced her intention to vacate the position for personal reasons, according to Dave Carmany, Manhattan Beach city manager, Friday.

Diaz will continue to assist the city by directing and managing the litigaton involving former City Manager Geoff Dolan, whose attorney gave a court notice on May 17 that he would appeal Judge Susan Bryant-Deason's March 6 ruling in favor of the city's Anti-SLAPP motion and subsequent dismissal of Dolan's lawsuit against the city and former City Attorney Robert Wadden. She will also assist with the city's ongoing open government initiatives, said Carmany.

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“The City is very grateful for Roxanne’s dedication as city attorney," said Mayor Wayne Powell in a statement. "During her tenure, Ms. Diaz dealt with several complex, trying, issues and handled them with expertise and grace. Although she is stepping down as city attorney, the city is thankful that she will continue to play a role in our local government.” 

City Council will meet in closed session before its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, June 5 to interview and discuss the appointment of a new city attorney pursuant to its contract with Richards, Watson & Gershon for City Attorney services. Diaz will continue as city attorney until a replacement from the law firm is selected, said Carmany.

“I have been honored to serve Manhattan Beach as its city attorney," said Diaz in the city-released statement. "Residents are rightfully proud of a community that is engaged in local government and elected officials who are committed to providing quality services in an atmosphere of open government. I look forward to continuing to assist the city, albeit in a more limited capacity.”

Diaz became city attorney in Sept. 2011 when City Council unanimously appointed the 65-member law firm of Richards, Watson and Gershon to provide city attorney services, with shareholder Larry Wiener assisting as senior counsel and Diaz, the firm's shareholder, serving as city attorney. Under the contract, the city pays a flat monthly rate of $19,500, or $234,000 annually.