L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl plans to seek another term

Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl on Tuesday attended his first meeting since beginning cancer treatment six weeks ago, declaring he intends to seek a third four-year term in next year’s election.

Using a walker and looking more gaunt than he did when he last appeared at City Hall in July, Rosendahl was welcomed with a standing ovation before divulging that he has had “13 hits of radiation” and two chemotherapy treatments.

The 67-year-old Rosendahl thanked his constituents, various politicians and left-leaning public figures, including actor/director Warren Beatty and U.S. Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-Ohio), for calling him and visiting him at his Mar Vista home.

“People have brought food to the house. People have prayed with me. People have sung with me. They have put all kinds of positive energy toward me,” said the councilman, who represents coastal neighborhoods stretching from Westchester north to Pacific Palisades.

Rosendahl has until November to decide whether to gather the petitions he needs to run another campaign. He already has a trio of campaign fundraisers scheduled this month. As he continues to receive his treatments, he said he would not necessarily make every council session but promised to attend meetings on days when there are matters requiring 12 of 15 votes to pass.

Rosendahl said in an interview that he has lost 45 pounds since his treatment began but has been “eating robustly” in recent days. He also has been relying on medical marijuana to manage the pain.

First elected in 2005, Rosendahl said he was diagnosed July 20 with a cancer that originated in the ureter, the tube connecting the bladder and the kidney. He said that until four or five days ago, he had struggled to walk.

That changed, he said, with the chemotherapy and the support from friends and family. “It’s thanks to the people and the energy that has come my way,” he said.

david.zahniser@latimes.com