City Manager Ruth Off Job After Heart Surgery

City Manager James D. Ruth was in good condition Tuesday, a day after he underwent multiple bypass surgery.

Ruth, 60, who will take six weeks off from his job as the city’s top administrator, is recuperating at Anaheim Memorial Hospital. Blockage in six arteries was discovered during a routine physical last month, hospital officials said.

“His prognosis is excellent,” said city spokesman Bret Colson. “It was discovered that while there is not permanent heart damage, the arterial blockages leading to his heart required immediate action.”

Ruth, well-known for working 12- to 16-hour days at City Hall, had his last day at work on Wednesday, Colson said.

Ruth’s health problems come during what has been a particularly high-profile year for the city manager, who has shepherded the city through several major projects recently.

Ruth has been the city’s key negotiator during intense negotiations with the Walt Disney Co. over renovations to Anaheim Stadium and public improvements for a second theme park next to Disneyland.

During the last eight months, the city has also unveiled plans to build a sports, entertainment and retail complex around the Big A called Sportstown Anaheim, launched a multimillion-dollar Anaheim Convention Center expansion and unsuccessfully tried to lure both football’s Seattle Seahawks and basketball’s Los Angeles Clippers to Anaheim.

City officials said Ruth’s absence will not affect any of the city’s major projects or day-to-day operations.

“We have a very capable management team,” said Mayor Tom Daly, “and they are well prepared to keep all of our projects moving forward until Jim returns.”

Assistant City Manager David Morgan will take over Ruth’s duties, aided by Deputy City Manager Tom Wood.