Office of the City Attorney

RICHARD E. NOSKY, JR.
("Ren")
CITY ATTORNEY

Assistant City Attorneys

Claims Investigator II

Deputy City Attorneys

Guy D. Petzold
Lori S. Whittaker
DeAnna L. Solina
Lori M. Asuncion

Marci Arredondo

Our Mission

Functions of the City Attorney's Office

• Provides legal advice to City Councilmembers, officials, boards, commissions, and City departments regarding legal and regulatory matters of concern to the City and its operations;
• Works with other City departments and division on legal matters to defend the City from legal action(s) brought against it, initiates lawsuits, code enforcement compliance, collection of monies owed to the City, and eminent domain proceedings;
• Drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, contracts, bonds, deeds, and other legal documents as requested by the City Council or other officials;
• Administers self-insurance tort liability program, including claims investigation and resolution;
• Prosecutes violations of the Stockton Municipal Code; and
• Responds to critical incidents and handles all claims submitted to the City under the Government Tort Claims Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who does the City Attorney work for?  Under the City Charter, the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, and City Auditor are each directly appointed by the City Council to serve at the pleasure of the City Council.  The City Attorney also provides legal support for all City officers and employees relating to acts which are within the course and scope of their employment or official duties.
2. Can I obtain legal advice from the City Attorney's Office regarding personal issues not involving the City of Stockton?  No.  The City Attorney's Office handles legal questions and concerns regarding the City of Stockton.  The City Attorney's Office is not able to answer legal questions or concerns not involving the City of Stockton.
3. What's the difference between the City Attorney and the District Attorney?  The City Attorney's Office conducts both civil and criminal functions for the City of Stockton.  It represents the City of Stockton in all its legal affairs.  Its prosecution functions entails handling misdemeanors and infractions (i.e. drinking in public, urinating in public, riding bicycle on sidewalk, and jaywalking) relating to violations of the Stockton Municipal Code.
4. A City vehicle or work crew damaged my property.  What can I do about it?  If you believe that you have a valid claim against the City, you must file a claim with the City Clerk prior to initiating any other legal action.  The claim must be filed within 180 days of the incident.  To obtain a claim form, you should contact the City Attorney's Office at (209) 937-5731.
5. My neighbor's dog barks continually.  What can I do about it?  If possible, you should contact your neighbor and express your concerns.  Many people want to be good neighbors and will be cooperative once the issue has been brought to their attention.  If direct discussions with your neighbor are not successful, please direct barking dogs noise complaints to the Stockton Police Department's Animal Control Division at (209) 937-8274.
6. My neighbor is constantly having loud parties that keep me awake.  What can I do about it?  If possible, you should contact your neighbor and express your concerns.  Many people want to be good neighbors and will be cooperative once the issue has been brought to their attention.  If direct discussions with your neighbor are not successful, noise complaints, including loud parties, should be directed to the Stockton Police Department at (209) 937-8377.