City Manager Is Back at Work After Surgery

City Manager James D. Ruth returned to work Monday for the first time since undergoing multiple bypass surgery Aug. 6.

Ruth, 60, worked for “only a couple of hours on the advice of his doctors,” said city spokesman Bret Colson. “He will gradually increase his workload as he is able.”

Blockages in six arteries were discovered during a routine physical exam in July. Although the blockages required immediate action, there was no permanent heart damage, Colson said.

Ruth was known to work marathon days at City Hall regularly.

His health problems came during a high-profile year for Anaheim, which has been involved in a series of tough negotiations involving the expansion of Disneyland and a new lease and renovated stadium for the California Angels. The city also unveiled plans for a new sports and entertainment complex around the Big A, launched an Anaheim Convention Center expansion and unsuccessfully tried to lure football’s Seattle Seahawks and basketball’s Los Angeles Clippers to Anaheim.

In Ruth’s absence, his duties have been taken over by Assistant City Manager David Morgan, who was aided by Deputy City Manager Tom Wood.

“He was in good spirits and looked good,” Colson said. “He was very moved by the outpouring of support he got while he was away.”