After seven years as San Bernardino’s legal advisor, Sonia Carvalho is on her way out as city attorney, the Sentinel has been informed by knowledgeable sources.
She will in the next several weeks be leaving the employ of the county seat, say some who are in on the city council’s decision-making process.
Going with her will be her law firm, Best Best & Krieger, which serves as the city’s general counsel; Assistant City Attorney Thomas Rice; and Deputy City Attorney Jason Baltimore.
It is not yet determined, whom the city will select to step into the role of providing the council and city staff with legal advice.
The universe of law firms which offer municipal representation in Southern California is relatively limited. Among the more commonly-employed firms are Richards, Waston & Gershon; Burke, Williams & Sorenson; Jones Mayer; and Alyshire & Wynder.
In August 2018, following the 2016 city charter change which eliminated San Bernardino’s elected city attorney as of 2020, Carvalho was hired to serve as assistant city attorney in preparation of then-City Attorney Gary Saenz’s anticipated retirement two years later. Upon Saenz’s departure, she was elevated to city attorney.
Carvalho’s entanglement in city controversies has put her into a vulnerable position.
At the June 5, 2024 city council meeting, Carvalho said there had been occasions when in response to public records requests that she suspected members of the council had withheld information from her and the public. Carvalho also stated that Treasure Ortiz, who was then running for city council, “comes here” to knowingly and maliciously make false statements in this chamber.” Ortiz was elected to the council on November 5.
–Mark Gutglueck