Riverside City Council voted Tuesday to dismiss City Attorney Phaedra Norton without cause, effective immediately.
Councilmember Jim Perry, speaking as the council's spokesperson, announced the decision following a closed session.
"The City Council decided to dismiss the city attorney without cause," Perry said. "Per the terms of the city attorney's employment contract, this action is effective immediately."
Council members Philip Falcone, Clarissa Cervantes, Steven Robillard, Jim Perry and Steve Hemenway voted for the dismissal, while Chuck Conder and Sean Mill recused themselves from the action.
The dismissal comes seven months after Norton was placed on administrative leave in September 2024, following her filing of a claim against the city alleging harassment, bullying and Brown Act violations by Councilmembers Chuck Conder and Sean Mill.
Norton, hired in June 2021, had previously filed a lawsuit in February 2023 accusing Conder and a former council member of violating the Brown Act.
The council provided no explanation for Tuesday's termination. Assistant City Attorney Jack Liu, who has served as interim city attorney since September, will continue in that role until the council selects a replacement. The council has a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, to consider candidates for the interim city attorney position.
A review of outdoor lighting and "live performance" noise regulations and the nomination of the Trujillo Adobe for the National Register of Historic Places are all on this week's agendas.
Residents challenge March JPA's promises of jobs and community benefits at April 8 meeting, citing lack of details and fears of warehouse-dominated development.
