The city of Santa Maria announced that longtime City Attorney Gilbert “Gil” Trujillo is set to retire from his position, effective Dec. 28.
Trujillo served 16 years as Santa Maria’s city attorney. His tenure includes work on the recent transition to district elections in Santa Maria, as well a 2012 measure for a citizens’ oversight committee and Measure U in 2018, a 1 percent city sales tax with no expiration date to fund general city services.
“I started my public service career here in Santa Maria,” Trujillo told the Sun. “I think it’s fitting that I’m ending it here. It’s been fantastic and rewarding. I’m 55 and it’s time to turn over a new chapter.”
The outgoing city attorney said he felt it was time for a change, sparked by the upcoming birth of his first grandchild, who he plans to spend a lot of time with.
Projects such as the new police station, the Edwards Theater at Santa Maria Town Center East, and the Enos Ranch development were also important accomplishments in his term, Trujillo said.
“I’ve worked with four city managers and four mayors,” he said. “I’ve seen the city grow from 60,000 to 100,000 people during that time.
“I’m leaving the city in a good place,” he added.
Assistant City Attorney Philip Sinco will become the interim city attorney, according to a release from Santa Maria. Sinco currently oversees Santa Maria’s Code Compliance Division and previously served as assistant city attorney for Morro Bay and Pismo Beach. He is also a part-time city attorney for Guadalupe.
The Santa Maria City Council plans to conduct a statewide job search for a new city attorney, according to the city’s release.
“The city is fortunate to have had the strong counsel of Gil Trujillo as city attorney over the years, and is fortunate to draw upon Philip Sinco’s experience to serve as the acting city attorney,” Mayor Alice Patino stated. “The City Council is going to work diligently to complete a recruitment process to allow us to find the next city attorney.”
This article appears in Dec 20-27, 2018.