VIDEO: Rosendahl Returns to City Hall

Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl was greeted with a standing ovation when he arrived in Council Chambers on Tuesday, the first time he has been back since he was diagnosed with cancer in late July.

Councilmember Bill Rosendahl was greeted with a standing ovation on Tuesday when he returned to City Hall. This was his first council meeting since he was diagnosed with cancer in late July.

Rosendahl, who kept a rigorous work schedule from home over the last several weeks, spoke to his council colleagues and a crowd of constituents who drove from the Westside to wish him well on his first day back in chambers.

Rosendahl talked about his diagnosis (cancer of the ureter) and treatment which so far has included 13 doses of radiation and two rounds of chemotherapy. He talked about his faith in a higher being and the love and support from his community that helped him walk back into the room today.

“Thousands of people around the world with the new social media and hundreds of my constituents have responded,” said Rosendahl at the beginning of the meeting.  “The amount of love I have gotten has been phenomenal.  People have brought food to the house. People have prayed with me. People have sung with me. They have put all sorts of positive energy around me.”

Since being diagnosed, Rosendahl has spent his days at home meeting with community leaders, constituents, and department heads. He also received visits from Mayor Antonio Villaraigos, Council President Herb Wesson, and Congresswoman Janice Hahn.  Rosendahl also remained in constant contact with his council colleagues who often submitted motions on his behalf.

During his return on Tuesday, Rosendahl talked about his future at City Hall in the video below.