Alison Barratt-Green might be Oakley's first in-house city attorney, but don't let the professional demeanor and prestigious law degrees fool you. This renaissance woman can also bait a mean hook, pitch her own tent, and enjoy an evening out at the symphony.

Such versatility will undoubtedly serve her well in a city that is growing, changing and redefining itself in myriad ways.

"I like change, I enjoy new adventures," said Barratt-Green, who started work earlier this month. "I'm very much a people person, and I like the fact that the staff here in Oakley wears many different hats. I'm very excited to be here."

Barratt-Green comes to Oakley from Modesto, where she was the senior deputy city attorney for nearly 14 years. Prior to that she conducted a private practice in San Francisco, where she specialized in general commercial law. She received her undergraduate degree from Stanford and her law degree from UC Davis.

Although Oakley is much smaller and younger city than Modesto, Barratt-Green expects to be busy here. Her duties include helping city staff work through legal issues that come up, reviewing agreements and representing the city in litigation.

"My role is basically one of support, and that includes helping the City Council with whatever goals they want to achieve," said Barratt-Green. "What I don't do is represent individual citizens - my client is the city."

And what potential challenges does she see her client facing in the future?

"Oakley is a young, growing city, and at some level they are still trying to find themselves," said Barratt-Green. "They are trying to define their vision, and I think they have done a great job of doing that so far, but I think there will be a lot of work in helping them with that. Making sure land uses are compatible with each other, and that properties are developing and redeveloping how they want them to."

Barratt-Green noted that the city has taken on some bold issues, such as the recent decision to incorporate the motto "In God We Trust" into the new City Hall.

"Will there be any legal repercussions on that issue?" said Barratt-Green. "It's hard to say; I'd be speculating at this point. But I do have to say that I agree with the view that it is a council decision, and I was impressed by their willingness to engage in the debate."

For the moment, Barratt-Green and her husband Tim are looking forward to settling into Oakley and enjoying the amenities the Delta area has to offer. Their son David is attending the University of California at San Diego.

"We are getting to know the community and look forward to being here," said Barratt-Green, who plans to move into town by fall. "I hope that people will see that I am a very accessible attorney. As a whole, municipal lawyers are a polite, genteel crowd. I'm very happy to be here."