The Santa Cruz City Council completed a lengthy closed session and on returning to open session reported on several matters, including liability claims, real‑property negotiations, labor bargaining and a public‑employment appointment.

City Attorney David Condotti told the council the closed session covered liability claims by several individuals (listed in the closed‑session report), three real‑property negotiations (including 1520 K‑2 Pacific Avenue and 57 Municipal Wharf), one item of significant exposure to anticipated litigation, and an existing lawsuit titled Capaldo and DeCock v. City of Santa Cruz. He said the council also discussed labor negotiations across multiple bargaining units. "City council conducted a marathon closed session this morning starting at 10:30AM," Condotti said in the report to the council.

The council unanimously approved the appointment of Cassie Bronson to succeed Condotti as city attorney; Condotti said the appointment will be effective Jan. 1, 2026. "I'm thrilled to report today that the council unanimously approved the appointment of Cassie Bronson to serve as my successor," Condotti said. He added that he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the city and that he was confident Bronson would be "leaving the city attorney's office in good hands."

The city attorney's public report also identified specific closed‑session items that will appear elsewhere on council materials: a consent calendar item listing several liability claims (agenda item 17) and three property negotiation items with named negotiating parties.

No additional substantive details about litigation strategy, settlement amounts, or negotiation terms were released in open session; Condotti reported the council had given direction to negotiators and the city attorney's office as allowed under the Brown Act closed‑session rules.

Why this matters: The council's appointment sets the line of legal leadership for the city beginning next year and follows closed‑session deliberations that touched on litigation, labor and key property matters that could have fiscal and operational implications for the city.

What's next: Condotti said there will be additional public opportunities to formally welcome Bronson and to complete the transition. The consent calendar later in the meeting included the liability claims referenced in the closed‑session report.