Councilman on Leave; Has Cancer

El Segundo City Councilman Jim Clutter has taken a 90-day leave of absence from the council while he undergoes chemotherapy for lymphoma, a type of cancer. The leave, approved unanimously by the council, permits the 59-year-old councilman to hold office while absent from meetings. Under state law, a council seat is declared vacant if the council member misses all regular meetings for 60 consecutive days without permission.

Clutter, a real estate salesman and retired TWA passenger service representative, was elected to the council in 1988. His cancer was recently discovered, according to city officials. The council will function with four members until Clutter returns.