Summary
The city paid $250,000 to settle claims with former City Manager Maraskeshia Smith and $205,000 to settle the Clare Hartman wrongful termination case. The city denies liability in Hartman; 32 lawsuits remain active.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
Nearly half a million dollars in settlements paid from city funds in one month.
Settling plaintiffs received compensation.
Taxpayers bear the cost of the settlements.
Mentions & discussions (5)
City Council — October 27, 2026
The City Attorney was set to report on legal settlements over $50,000 finalized in September and lawsuits still pending against the city. These can carry real costs for taxpayers.
Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association et al. v. City of Santa Rosa, CA
Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association et al. v. City of Santa Rosa, CA Pacific Legal Foundation
Santa Rosa City Schools settles lawsuits with families for $6.25 million in 2023 fatal school stabbing
Santa Rosa City Schools settles lawsuits with families for $6.25 million in 2023 fatal school stabbing ABC7 Bay Area
City Council — January 27, 2026
The city paid $250,000 to settle claims with former City Manager Maraskeshia Smith and $205,000 to settle the Clare Hartman wrongful termination case. The city denies liability in Hartman; 32 lawsuits remain active.
Santa Rosa suing 13 sideshow organizers $25,000 each for pollution violations in attempt to curb illegal stunts
Santa Rosa suing 13 sideshow organizers $25,000 each for pollution violations in attempt to curb illegal stunts ABC7 Bay Area
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