San Diego councilwoman has breast cancer, expects ‘full recovery’

San Diego City Councilwoman Marti Emerald announced on Facebook that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will undergo outpatient surgery.

Emerald said she received the diagnosis this week while she was on a Chamber of Commerce lobbying mission to Washington, D.C., with other political and business leaders.

“My doctors say I have an excellent prognosis for full recovery, after the usual protocols,” Emerald said in a post. “I am growing a new and deep appreciation for those who have walked this path before me, including my dear friends and breast cancer mentors … and other courageous women who share their strength, stories and passion for a cure.”

Emerald, 59, a Democrat, represents a district south of Interstate 8 that includes the San Diego State area, City Heights, Mountain View and Southcrest neighborhoods. Before being elected in 2008 she was a television journalist for three decades.

In her Facebook post, Emerald thanked her fiance Karl, as well as Rabbi Laurie Coskey and her council staff.

“I look forward to a full recovery and getting back to work and back to the business of serving our city,” she wrote. “I also look forward to the opportunity to serve those also struggling with breast cancer and will use this Facebook site to guide you.”

Mayor Kevin Faulconer posted on Twitter: “Wishing my friend and colleague a full recovery. We are behind you 100%.”

California Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) in a post said Emerald was “a strong woman who’ll be back in business in no time.”