Municipalities
Government is big business in California, and not only in Sacramento. Across California, private sector clients need to understand how to interact effectively with local governments and state agencies in order to accomplish their business purposes. Local governments require counsel that can help them navigate the thicket of public disclosure and accountability laws and, at the same time, meet the public’s demand for effective governmental services without increased revenues. We can meet both needs.
For private sector clients, we understand the myriad of special laws that apply when seeking a permit or approval for a project. Whether it is a real estate development project, a solar farm, or a discharge permit, our lawyers know how to use the Ralph M. Brown Act (Open Meetings) and the Public Records Act to best advantage in obtaining the information needed for a project. We also know how to work with state agencies and local governments so that they are able to issue permits or other approvals in an expeditious manner.
For local governments, our experience with the Brown Act, the Public Records Act, Proposition 218, CALPERS and CALSTRS, Mello-Roos bonds and other financing instruments gives us the ability to figure out ways to serve the public at the lowest possible cost. We regularly serve as general counsel to special districts and as special counsel to a number of cities, counties and special districts. We are known for handling high-profile, high-risk matters, where our vast subject matter expertise and our comprehensive knowledge in municipal law bring our clients large dividends.
Selected Experience
- Northstar Community Services District. Serves as general counsel to the District in connection with the operation of a major ski and resort area. Oversaw the issuance of approximately $100 million in Mello-Roos bonds for new capital projects. Advised the District on financing options and a variety of foreclosure and workouts in the wake of the economic downturn.
- Three Rivers Levee Improvement Agency. Formed and serves as general counsel to the Agency, which has a record of successfully completing a levee improvement program totaling almost $1 billion, notwithstanding significant environmental constraints.
- Successfully defended – by winning a motion for summary judgment – the County against a series of whistleblower claims by employees. The County also received an award of costs and fees equal to all defense costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in defending the action.
Trade Groups
- Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA)
- Bay Area Clean Water Agencies (BACWA)
- California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA)
- League of California Cities (LCC)
- National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA)
- Tri-TAC (a Technical Advisory Committee representing three California associations: LCC, CWEA, and CASA)
- Southern California Association of Publicly Owned Treatment Works (SCAP)
- Northstar Community Services District. Serves as general counsel to the District in connection with the operation of a major ski and resort area. Oversaw the issuance of approximately $100 million in Mello-Roos bonds for new capital projects. Advised the District on financing options and a variety of foreclosure and workouts in the wake of the economic downturn.
- Three Rivers Levee Improvement Agency. Formed and serves as general counsel to the Agency, which has a record of successfully completing a levee improvement program totaling almost $1 billion, notwithstanding significant environmental constraints.
- Successfully defended – by winning a motion for summary judgment – the County against a series of whistleblower claims by employees. The County also received an award of costs and fees equal to all defense costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in defending the action.
- Successfully defended a public irrigation district General Manager in a two week trial against claims of workplace violence.
- Regional Water Quality Control Board v. Riviera West Mutual Water Company. Downey Brand successfully defended a small water company against prosecution by the Regional Board for alleged water quality violations that had occurred several years prior to the prosecution.
- Save the Plastic Bag Coalition v. City of Manhattan Beach. Downey Brand successfully represented the City and amicus curiae California League of Cities and California State Association of Counties in appeal to the California Supreme Court challenging the City’s ban on plastic bags.
- City of Santee v. County of San Diego. Downey Brand served as counsel to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in a case that established the ability of a government agency to plan for future development without first preparing an environmental impact report. This was the first reported case to successfully defend preliminary planning efforts against a CEQA challenge in the wake of the California Supreme Court’s decision in Save Tara v. City of West Hollywood.
- Represented the City of Riverside in a case that involved a water districts acquisition of the Temescal Water Company through a “friendly” eminent domain action. There were some interesting Brown Act issues because of the “friendly” nature of the litigation, but the case eventually settled. City of Riverside v. Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, Riverside Superior Court, Case No. 200763.
- Litigating a case where the General Manager of the public entity did not obtain the proper authority from the board to sign a contract, but signed it anyway. The case seeks rescission, and there are Brown Act issues involved. Lassen Municipal Utility District v. Kinross Gold USA, Inc., US Eastern District, Case No. 2:110CV000255-MCE-CMK.
- Represented Valley Slurry Seal International (VSSI) related to a bid award the Town of Moraga where there were allegations that the Town violated the Brown Act by acting to take up off agenda business. Downey Brand demanded rescission of the vote, and consideration of a protest by VSSI to preclude the award of the contract to the low bidder. The Town quickly rescinded the award to the low bidder, allowed a protest to be filed, and ultimately awarded the contract to VSSI.
- Act as General Counsel to several municipal entities and regularly advise those clients on the rules under the Brown Act. Many of these clients have not been sued or had a significant legal challenge related to Brown Act compliance.
Brenda C. Bass
Brenda C. Bass
Senior Associate

Brenda Bass advises public agency and private clients on environmental review requirements, as well as applying for and complying with water quality permits. She is also experienced in litigating CEQA and groundwater quality issues for clients throughout California.
Sacramento 916.520.5385 direct
Senior Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5385 direct
Monica Browner
Monica Browner
Associate

Monica Browner helps clients navigate complex environmental issues with a pragmatic and dynamic approach. Clients rely on her to minimize uncertainty in a constantly changing regulatory landscape. Monica uses her analytic skills and knowledge of state and federal environmental law to assist clients with a broad range of legal issues including compliance with various environmental regulations.
Sacramento 916.520.5377 direct
Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5377 direct
Anthony S. Chavez
Senior Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5436 direct
Jamie P. Dreher
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5478 direct
Reno 775.329.5900 direct
Cassandra M. Ferrannini
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5387 direct
Nicole E. Granquist
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5369 direct
Brian E. Hamilton
Senior Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5340 direct
Natalie C. Kirkish
Senior Associate
San Francisco 415.848.4844 direct
Bret F. Meich
Bret F. Meich
Partner

With a proven track record of trying and winning complex business cases, Bret Meich counsels clients through a range of strategic decisions in order to effectively resolve disputes. He practices primarily in the area of general litigation, and he emphasizes professional, high-quality advocacy from case inception through post-trial appellate work.
Reno 775.997.7418 direct
Partner
Reno 775.997.7418 direct
Kevin M. O’Brien
Kevin M. O’Brien
Partner

Kevin O’Brien assists clients throughout California in water rights, water quality, endangered species, and environmental matters. His clients include water districts, cities, counties, private landowners, real estate developers, wineries and mining companies.
Sacramento 916.520.5235 direct
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5235 direct
Counsel
San Francisco 415.848.4848 direct
Steven P. Saxton
Steven P. Saxton
Of Counsel

For nearly 30 years, public agencies, businesses and agricultural landowners have looked to Steve Saxton to successfully handle water, resources, and land use litigation and representation in both private negotiations and in state and federal courts throughout California.
Sacramento 916.520.5435 direct
Of Counsel
Sacramento 916.520.5435 direct
Scott L. Shapiro
Managing Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5234 direct
Reno 775.329.5900 direct
Melissa A. Thorme
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5376 direct
San Francisco 415.848.4800 direct
Stan O. Van Vleck
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5440 direct
Nevada 775.329.5900 direct
Madeline R. Weissman
Madeline R. Weissman
Associate

Madeline Weissman uses her background in litigation, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and water law to advise public agencies and private clients on regulatory and land use entitlement issues governing real estate developments, renewable energy facilities, applications for and compliance with water quality permits, and ground and surface water issues throughout California.
San Francisco 415.848.4812 direct
Associate
San Francisco 415.848.4812 direct
Announcements
23 related items-
March 8, 2021Real Estate Partner Marc Centor Joins Downey Brand’s San Francisco Office
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October 20, 2020Downey Brand Welcomes Madeline R. Weissman to its San Francisco Office
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October 1, 2020Downey Brand Welcomes New Bankruptcy Litigation Associate Paul Gaus
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June 1, 2020Bret Meich Earns 2020 Nevada Legal Elite Distinction
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January 15, 2020Downey Brand Names Two New Partners
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December 13, 2019Downey Brand Welcomes Brenda Bass to Natural Resources Practice in Sacramento
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June 28, 2019Anthony S. Chavez Joins Downey Brand’s Litigation Team
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May 20, 2019Downey Brand Senior Associate Promoted to Counsel
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April 4, 2019Two Downey Brand Attorneys Earn JD Supra’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards
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March 1, 2019Rebecca Smith Joins Board of Directors at Water Education Foundation
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January 8, 2019Downey Brand Promotes New Counsel
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January 1, 2019Downey Brand’s Sacramento Office Welcomes Brian E. Hamilton
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December 31, 2018Downey Brand Names New Partner
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December 12, 2018Downey Brand Welcomes Two New Associates to its Sacramento Office
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December 11, 2018Downey Brand’s San Francisco Office Welcomes Meghan Quinn
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October 15, 2018Natalie Kirkish and Benjamin Lee Join Downey Brand’s Natural Resource Team
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June 21, 2018Bret Meich Earns Nevada Legal Elite Recognition
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June 28, 2017Patrick Veasy Joins Downey Brand’s Environmental Practice
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June 2, 2017Litigation Attorney Bret Meich Recognized as Legal Elite: Nevada’s Top Attorneys
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January 13, 2017Christopher Rendall-Jackson Joins Downey Brand’s San Francisco Office
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January 6, 2017Downey Brand Names New Partners and Counsel
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April 20, 2016Announcing CEQA Chronicles
A Blog Focusing on Environmental Review Under the California Environmental Quality Act -
November 2, 2015Veteran Environmental Attorneys Kathryn Oehlschlager and Donald Sobelman Join Downey Brand
Firm Furthers its Bay Area Commitment with Expansion of San Francisco Office
In the News
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October 19, 2018California Leans Heavily on its Groundwater, But Will a Court Decision Tip the Scales Against More Pumping?
Western Water -
April 17, 2014Detroit Seeks Creditor Votes With Divide and Conquer
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March 18, 2014California to Ease Water Restrictions in Move to Help Farmers
Reuters -
October 8, 2013California Governor Signs Bills to Tackle State’s Water Crisis
Reuters -
March 22, 2013Stockton Creditors Face Long Odds to End City Bankruptcy
Bloomberg News -
February 12, 2013Levee Over Troubled Waters: Paying for Repairs Just Got Harder
Comstock's -
February 27, 2007Learning As We Go
Marysville Appeal-Democrat -
December 1, 2006Plumas Lake: Deadly Deal May Save Lives
California Planning & Development Report -
August 17, 2006FEMA Releases Flood Maps
Appeal-Democrat -
July 20, 2006Three Rivers OKs Builders’ Pact
Appeal-Democrat
Speaking Engagements / Events
12 related items-
January 30, 2021Innovations in Water Storage As A Response To Climate Change
2021 California Water Law Symposium, Climate Change: Adapting to a Warming Climate -
October 15, 2020Take Me to the River: Evolving Frameworks for Environmental Flows
29th Annual 2020 Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite® -
September 9, 2020Keeping Flood Infrastructure Projects and Maintenance Going During Times of Crisis: A Legal Perspective
Floodplain Management Association's Annual Conference -
June 1, 2020Restarting the Machine: A Roundtable Discussion About Issues Facing Local and State Government Agencies as They Reopen
SCBA Public & Environmental Law Sections, Webinar -
March 18, 2020Encroachments: The Next Challenge
Moderator, California Central Valley Flood Control Association (CCVFCA) Annual Flood Forum -
February 20, 2020Legal and Institutional Management Framework
Presenter, Water Education Foundation Water 101 Workshop -
December 5, 2019Conduct and Ethics Training for Water Agency Officials: A Primer on AB 1234
Co-presenter, ACWA 2019 Fall Conference -
December 3, 2019Government Code Section 1090: How to Stay Out of the Headlines (and Out of Jail)
Moderator, ACWA Legal Briefing and CLE Workshop -
November 18, 2019BPC Expert Briefing: CEQA Update 2019
Bay Planning Coalition's 7th Annual CEQA Update -
October 17-20, 201928th Annual Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite®
Presented by the California Lawyers Association -
May 10, 2019Resiliency for a Vibrant Bay Area
Panelist, Bay Planning Coalition’s 2019 Spring Summit -
December 13, 2017AB 1234 Ethics Training for Local Agency Officials
Legal Alerts
27 related items-
March 29, 2021Latest California State Water Board Investigative Order for PFAS Targets Bulk Fuel Storage Terminals and Refineries
Environmental Law -
March 12, 2021State Water Board Issues Notification and Response Levels for PFBS in Drinking Water; DTSC to Finalize Carpets and Rugs with PFAS as “Priority Products” in 2021
Environmental Law -
March 5, 2021Proposed “California Clean Water Act” (AB 377) Would Restrict Ability to Secure Schedules of Compliance in Water Quality Permits or Other Water Quality-Related Orders
Water Quality Law -
March 1, 2021Judge Finds that Water Boards Have Authority to Regulate Discharges of Dredge and Fill Material as Waste Under Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act
Water Quality Law -
January 20, 2021Judge Suspends State Procedures as Applied to Majority of Waters of the State; Retains Application to Waters Subject to the Clean Water Act and All Ocean Waters Regardless of Jurisdiction
Environmental Law -
July 23, 2020California PFAS Push Now Includes POTWs as State Water Board Rolls Out New Testing Order
Environmental Law -
April 16, 2020CalEPA Issues Statement on Enforcement and Compliance Requirements During COVID-19 Pandemic
Downey Brand COVID-19 News and Updates Environmental Law -
April 13, 2020USEPA Issues Interim Guidance on Site Field Work Decisions Due to Impacts of COVID-19
Downey Brand COVID-19 News and Updates Environmental Law -
March 18, 2020UPDATED: In Response to Concerns Regarding COVID-19, Governor Newsom Grants Additional Flexibility for Public Agency Teleconference Meetings
Downey Brand COVID-19 News and Updates Public Agency -
March 12, 2020In Response to Concerns Regarding COVID-19, Governor Newsom Suspends Some Requirements applicable to Public Agency Teleconference Meetings
Downey Brand COVID-19 News and Updates Public Agency -
January 23, 2020USEPA Announces Major Actions to Address PFAS; California Water Utility Files Landmark PFAS Lawsuit in Federal District Court
Environmental Law -
October 24, 2019PFAS Are Here: First Round of Results Show PFAS in California Drinking Water Supply Wells
Environmental Law -
September 10, 2019State Wetland Definition and Procedures for Discharges of Dredge or Fill Material to Waters of the State Becomes Effective on May 28, 2020
Environmental Law -
August 28, 2019California State Water Resources Control Board Significantly Lowers PFAS Notification Levels
Environmental Law -
May 9. 2019Joint Powers Authority Comprised of Irrigation Districts and the City and County of San Francisco Challenge Recently Adopted State Wetland Definition and Procedures for Discharges of Dredge or Fill Material to Waters of the State
Environmental Law -
April 4, 2019After Years of Handwringing and Lengthy Stakeholder Negotiations, California Water Board Adopts State Wetland Definition and Procedures for Discharges of Dredge or Fill Material to Waters of the State
Environmental Law -
March 13, 2019State Water Board Announces Sweeping Investigation and Phased Sampling of Potential Industrial and Municipal Sources of PFAS
Environmental Law -
February 13, 2019New Law Mandates That Special Districts Maintain Public Websites by January 2020; Limited Exemptions Available
Public Agency -
September 13, 2018AB 2257: New Brown Act Requirements for Meeting Agendas on Local Agency Websites Effective for Meetings Held on and after January 1, 2019
Public Agency -
August 15, 2017California Supreme Court Rules That Independent Contractors Are Not Excluded From Section 1090’s Conflict Provisions
Public Agency -
July 26, 2017Local California Governments Sue Fossil Fuel Companies for Rising Sea Levels
Uncategorized -
March 3, 2017California Supreme Court Rules Public Officials’ and Employees’ Personal Accounts Do Not Escape Reach of Public Records Act
Public Agency -
January 5, 2017Client Invoices Reside in the “Heartland” of Attorney-Client Privilege While Matters Are Ongoing . . . But Maybe Not Later
Water Law -
July 22, 2016SB 272: A New Disclosure Requirement Under the Public Records Act, Effective July 1, 2016
Public Agency -
March 18, 2016Update: California Supreme Court Holds Inadvertent Production of Attorney-Client Privileged Documents under a Public Records Act Request Does Not Waive the Privilege
Public Agency -
August 18, 2015Showdown at California Supreme Court over Waiver of Attorney-Client Privilege in Public Records after Inadvertent Disclosure
Public Agency -
May 6, 2014Orange County Trial Court Upholds Cadiz Valley Groundwater Project
Water Law
Publications
4 related items-
July 11, 2019Will the Wave of PFAS Litigation Sweep Through California?
Daily Journal -
March 28, 2019Agencies Finally Begin to Address Dangers of PFAS
Daily Journal -
February 1, 2019California’s Public Trust Doctrine Draws Attention in the Courts
Legal Notes, Western City -
March 17, 2017Private Emails, Texts, Not Immune From Disclosure
Sacramento Business Journal