Summary
The council interviewed candidates for city attorney in closed session. The city attorney advises the council on legal matters, contracts, and land-use decisions, so this hire matters for how the city operates for years.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 10
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 8, 2026.
Impact analysis
Salary and terms are set by the approved employment agreement.
Residents benefit from a qualified city attorney guiding the council's legal decisions.
Critics argue the hire carries financial and workplace-culture risk given litigation history in Palmdale, and that the decision was rushed before the election.
Mentions & discussions (14)
City Council - Sep 8, 2026
Turlock Fire introduced Division Chief Mike Miller as the new fire marshal, bringing 30-plus years of fire prevention and community risk reduction experience.
Turlock hires new city manager with controversial past
Turlock hires new city manager with controversial past CBS News
Turlock’s Next City Manager Was Once Accused of Bringing of a Gun to City Hall
Turlock’s Next City Manager Was Once Accused of Bringing of a Gun to City Hall California City News
Turlock's next city manager defends record after residents question past lawsuits
Turlock's next city manager defends record after residents question past lawsuits CBS News
City Council - Jun 23, 2026
The council hired John J. Murphy as city manager on a five-year contract despite public criticism of his record in Palmdale and calls to wait until after the November election. Supporters cited his ICMA credential, Air Force career, and strong references from Florida and New Jersey officials.
City Council - Jun 9, 2026
Turlock's vacancy rate is 7-10%, a big improvement from past years, thanks to hiring incentives and police recruitment efforts.
City Council - May 9, 2026
Turlock has cycled through many city managers in the past decade, and residents worry the churn has cost the city institutional knowledge and led to compliance problems. The Council interviewed two finalists in closed session but announced no hire.
City Council - Apr 28, 2026
Longtime Division Chief Michael Harcksen retired, and the council approved bringing back a retired assistant chief on a temporary basis to keep leadership stable until an internal promotion. Residents used the moment to renew calls for Turlock to have its own fire chief instead of operating under the Modesto fire services agreement.
City Council - Mar 24, 2026
The City Council appointed Katie O. Lucchesi as the new City Attorney, securing legal leadership for city operations.
City Council - Feb 10, 2026
Sue Borrego is stepping back to her deputy role, and former Police Chief Gary Hampton is returning as interim city manager while the city recruits a permanent one. Residents urged the council to give the next manager stability and avoid micromanagement.
General - Jan 22, 2026
The council interviewed candidates for city attorney in closed session. The city attorney advises the council on legal matters, contracts, and land-use decisions, so this hire matters for how the city operates for years.
General - Jan 14, 2026
The city council is actively interviewing candidates to fill the vacant City Attorney position in closed session. Finding permanent legal counsel is a critical administrative step for city operations and governance.
General - Jan 3, 2026
The City Council held interviews in closed session to fill the vacant City Attorney position.
Borrego named new deputy city manager
Borrego named new deputy city manager Turlock Journal
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