Fairfield council agrees to brief on quo warranto process after residency questions about mayor

Councilmember Williams asked the Fairfield City Council on Nov. 18 to agendize a discussion to determine whether Mayor Catherine Moy resides within the city limits and whether the council should pursue a quo warranto action. Williams said a recent Daily Republic article raised questions about the mayor’s residency and asked the council to “pursue a quo warranto process action against Mayor Catherine Moy.”

City Attorney David Lim said he would prepare a briefing explaining the quo warranto process under the California Code of Civil Procedure (he cited sections 803–811), what it would take for the council to move forward and the council’s options. Lim warned that because his office represents the entire council he may need to request outside counsel if a conflict arises; he described the initial work as a briefing of options rather than filing a complaint.

Mayor Moy confirmed she lives within the city and agreed to work with the city attorney and city manager to provide additional information and return to the council. The council did not take formal enforcement action at the meeting; the next step is the attorney’s written briefing and a future agenda item to consider whether to proceed.

The city attorney’s briefing will identify procedural steps for the council, including whether the council itself would prepare a petition or whether it would refer a complaint to the California Attorney General or the Solano County District Attorney for further action. Lim indicated staff would present the council with options and required evidence but would not immediately file a quo warranto action without additional council direction.