Lompoc Attorney Backed for City Post

Lompoc’s city attorney has been recommended to replace retiring City Atty. John Torrance, Simi Valley Mayor Greg Stratton announced Friday.

Pending the approval of the City Council at its March 16 meeting, David Hirsch will begin his tenure as the city’s chief legal defender on April 13.

“Through a highly competitive process, David emerged as the candidate whose professional experience and management skills make him the excellent choice to assume the critical role of legal advisor to the City Council,” Stratton announced in a written statement.

“My council colleagues and I are pleased in making this selection and look forward to a long and productive working relationship.”

Hirsch, who will earn $108,000 a year, has served as city attorney for Lompoc, a community of 41,000 residents, for the past 17 years.

Before that, he served as Simi Valley’s assistant city attorney for two years.

Hirsch holds a master’s degree in public administration from USC and a law degree from the Syracuse College of Law.

He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1977.

“I welcome the opportunity to return to the city of Simi Valley and especially look forward to serving the City Council in delivering quality services to the residents of this fine community,” Hirsch said.

Torrance, who announced his retirement several months ago, will leave April 1.