New City Attorney Announced

The selection process for a new city attorney concluded with an announcement by the mayor last night that Sheryl Schaffner will assume the critical position.

Chosen from a pool of 29 applicants, Schaffner comes to San Ramon after a four-year stint as the City Attorney of Eurkea. There, she was actively participated in municipal matters that face San Ramon as well, including resolution of general plan and land concerns and reviewing regulations on medical marijuana dispensaries.

"She is very knowledgeable on the law and has a solid legal background," said Mayor Abram Wilson in a statement.

Schaffner, who will officially begin working in July, brings "extensive and varied legal experience" from her service as a Sacramento Superior Court Pro Tempore Judge, Senior Staff Counsel for the State Water Resources Control Board and an elected councilmember in Davis.

Last week, members in the selection committee—the mayor, Councilmember Scott Perkins, City Manager Herb Moniz and Danville City Attorney Robert Ewing—narrowed the candidates down to six, two associated with law firms and four private attorneys.

Wilson said he "is excited to be bringing someone of Ms. Schaffner's skills level and professional reputation to lead the City Attorney's office."

Schaffner will replace Interim City Attorney Roger Peters of Best Best & Krieger. Former City Attorney Byron Athan was named City Attorney Emeritus in September. and died last November at the age of 91.

Schaffner received her law degree from UC Davis and her bachelor's from UC Berkeley.

She is married to Robert Sitzwohl, who works in the film production industry. She has two married sons, Colin and Graham, and two grandsons.

"Her calming and reassuring presence will build consensus and work well with the San Ramon City Council, City Manager and employees," Wilson said.