Block in Hospital for Tests After Fall, Head Injury

Los Angeles County Sheriff Sherman Block remained hospitalized Sunday for tests after falling and suffering a head injury at his home, just as he was entering the final days of his hotly contested reelection bid.

Block, 74, suffered a cut on the back of his head that required at least 10 stitches, officials said. The accident occurred Saturday afternoon at Block’s West Hills home. He was reported in stable condition Sunday at USC University Hospital.

Block, who has twice battled cancer and undergoes dialysis treatments three times a week for kidney problems, is seeking his fifth term in office. His health has been an issue in his campaign against challenger Lee Baca, a former sheriff’s chief.

Jay Grodin, a longtime associate who is Block’s campaign chairman, said the sheriff fell while getting into the bathtub Saturday afternoon.

“He slipped, and he went to grab himself and chunked the back of his head,” Grodin said. “It was a lot of blood.”

Block’s wife Alyce, who was not home at the time, returned from an errand to find her husband bleeding from the head, Grodin said. He was treated at an emergency room near his home, and later, on the advice of his regular internist, checked in to USC University Hospital for observation.

Grodin said he was hopeful that the sheriff would be released in a few days--perhaps as early as Wednesday.

Campaign spokesman Joseph Scott said the sheriff was briefed on developments in his fierce race against Baca, who forced Block into his first runoff in 17 years as sheriff. Among the briefing topics was a Times editorial Sunday that criticized both candidates and declined to endorse either one.

“He’s doing well enough that he was able to laugh that The Times called Baca a liar,” Scott said. The editorial also harshly criticized Block for budgetary waste and other problems.

“The view at the moment is nothing has changed. He’s a pretty strong guy. He tends to fight back,” Scott said.

Still, Scott said he is doubtful about whether the sheriff will be able to attend campaign events scheduled for today and Tuesday, including a star-studded event planned for Tuesday night featuring Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan and members of the county Board of Supervisors.

Stand-ins will take his place if Block is unable to attend, he added.

“From a campaign perspective, we are focused on the election. Nothing has changed in terms of our strategy.”

Scott said he was unaware of the details of Block’s condition, but he discounted suggestions that Block’s fall might be tied to his kidney problems. The tests being conducted Sunday were routine for people with head injuries, he said.

Baca said in a statement, “I was saddened to hear the news of Mr. Block’s accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family for a full and speedy recovery.”