New City Councilman Has Cancer

Redondo Beach Councilman Joe White’s illness was diagnosed this week as lung cancer but he intends to be back in his City Hall office soon and does not expect the illness to affect his duties, his wife said.

Doctors discovered the cancer and began treatment after the 64-year-old retired construction superintendent was admitted Oct. 2 to Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance with pneumonia.

“The doctors are optimistic about it,” said Marilyn White, the councilman’s wife. “They are starting aggressive treatment. They’ve told him, ‘Get on with your life.’ ”

White, a 34-year resident of the city who was elected to a four-year term in May, was released from the hospital Tuesday and missed that evening’s council meeting. His wife said he will be at the next council meeting and plans to visit his office this week.