City Attorney Announces Departure

Calabasas City Attorney Michael Colantuono, who has been with the city since Aug. 7, 2003, has announced that he will be leaving his post, effective June 27, 2012. 

In a statement made at Wednesday's Calabasas City Council meeting, Colantuono cited the desire to reduce his time spent traveling (he commutes from his home in Grass Valley near Sacramento) and devote it to having a better quality of life.

“It has been an honor to serve this city these past nine years. I have been part of a strong team of community servants who have helped maintain and improve services and the quality of life in this special place," he said. "Thank you, Mayor [Mary Sue] Maurer and members of the City Council, for allowing me to do so.

Maurer thanked Colantuono for his services and devotion.

“Michael has served Calabasas with vision, energy, and initiative during his tenure, and his experience, insight and wise counsel will be sorely missed,” she said.

As city cttorney, Colantuono provided sound legal advice and a creative approach to solving the city’s legal issues at all levels, including being part of the team that:

• oversaw successful design, construction and maintenance of the Calabasas Civic Center with essentially no claims or other legal entanglements.
• expanded the Calabasas Library.
• assisted with development of the city’s internet and other media programs which have become a model providers of public information during fires and other emergencie.
• strengthened the city’s award-winning financial recordkeeping and other management systems.
• updated the city’s general plan and zoning ordinance.
• improved the road system the city inherited from the county at incorporation.
• acquired and protected open space.
• exceeded state and federal environmental standards.
• maintained first class recreation facilities and programs.
• accomplished a state-certified housing element.

The firm of Colantuono & Levin will continue to serve the city of Calabasas, and current Assistant City Attorney and Planning Commission Counsel Scott Howard will act as Interim city attorney.

Colantuono will continue to be available to assist the city when his expertise is needed.

“It is hard to leave Calabasas after such long service with such a strong team, but it is easier knowing that I leave you in the Scott Howard’s capable hands,” Colantuono added. 

Howard retired after 34 years service to the city of Glendale, 22 of those as city attorney, and joined Colantuono & Levin in an of counsel capacity.

“He is an experienced and respected leader among public lawyers and will serve the city well,” Colantuono said.

The city attorney is appointed by the council and is responsible for administration of the legal affairs of the city, represents the city in litigation and hearings, prepares or reviews all ordinances, contracts, and other legal instruments, and renders legal advice and opinions to the council, city manager and other departments.