MALIBU: Christi Hogin, an associate attorney at...

MALIBU: Christi Hogin, an associate attorney at Richards, Watson & Gershon, will leave the Los Angeles-based law firm from which the city has contracted services for three years to assume the post of city attorney.

The city will no longer have the firm conduct the duties of city attorney or handle smaller legal matters. Instead, Hogin will become a salaried employee, a move expected to save the city about $200,000 annually in legal costs, Mayor Jeff Kramer said.

She will take her post June 6, earning $100,000 a year with a $350 monthly car allowance.

Hogin, 32, was chosen because of her expertise in public law and land-use issues and her familiarity with Malibu’s ordinances and issues. She is expected to guide the city through the adoption of the General Plan, the overall blueprint for development expected to be in place by November.

Hogin served as assistant to former City Atty. Michael Jenkins, who is now a partner in Watson, Richards & Gershon. The city will continue to contract services from the firm for larger lawsuits.

“There is no question that with a legal budget our size, we need to look at ways to cut costs if we don’t want to compromise on the things that we think are important,” Kramer said.

The move is aimed at decreasing legal costs that have already exceeded this year’s $648,000 legal budget by at least $170,000. Lawsuits by trailer park owners challenging the city’s rent control laws and numerous suits between the city and developers have been the most costly.

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BEVERLY HILLS: Joining a growing number of urban communities, Beverly Hills will take on a down-home look once a week with an open-air farmers market.

When Beverly Hills kicks off its Sunday morning market in August, the city known more for ritzy Rodeo Drive than fresh rutabagas would be the fifth Westside community and the 35th market to be established in Los Angeles County through the Southland Farmers’ Market Assn.

Santa Monica, Venice and West Hollywood already have such markets. A market will be opened in Westwood on June 2. Malibu is expected to discuss the possibility of hosting a Friday afternoon market later this month.

The City Council enthusiastically endorsed the idea Tuesday, agreeing to allow 25 farmers to sell their produce along the 300 block of North Canon Drive in the business district. The council earmarked $46,000 for initial costs. The city hopes to break even by the third year.

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MEETINGS NEXT WEEK * Beverly Hills: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, 450 Crescent Drive. (310) 285-2400.

* Los Angeles: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 200 N. Spring St. (213) 485-3126.

* West Hollywood: 7 p.m. West Hollywood Park Auditorium, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd. (310) 854-7460.

* Santa Monica: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, 1686 Main St. (310) 393-9975.