SANTA MONICA : Council Ends Long Search, Names New City Attorney

Breaking a lengthy stalemate, the Santa Monica City Council has unanimously selected a city attorney to replace Robert M. Myers, who was ousted 15 months ago in a dispute over the community’s policies on the homeless.

Marsha Jones Moutrie, a lawyer specializing in municipal law with the Los Angeles firm of Richards, Watson & Gershon, was selected late Tuesday night in closed session. The job pays $110,000 a year.

The City Council had been haggling for months over a replacement for Myers, who came under attack for his unwillingness to draft and enforce ordinances aimed at the homeless. Moutrie is a Santa Monica resident who worked for Myers before entering private practice.