Anaheim appoints Newport attorney

Newport Beach-based lawyer Michael Houston took over as Anaheim’s interim city attorney March 1, a news release said.

The Anaheim City Council unanimously approved the appointment at its Feb. 19 meeting.

Houston, the release said, will oversee the Anaheim city attorney’s office and a staff of 11 civil attorneys.

Houston is with the Newport law firm Cummins & White. The firm, founded in 1951, specializes in business and insurance law, according to its website.

“We appreciate the confidence shown by the Anaheim City Council in Cummins & White,” Houston said in a statement. “I look forward to serving the city until a permanent candidate is named.”

Previously, Houston has served as an assistant city attorney for La Quinta and has worked with the cities of Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, among others throughout the state.

According to the Orange County Register and a city news release, Anaheim’s former city attorney, Cristina Talley, resigned earlier this year under pressure from the council following a controversial hotel tax deal.

—Jill Cowan

Twitter: @jillcowan