Councilwoman still plans to run for reelection
March 05, 2010 – 3:30 PM
Brooke Edwards

VICTORVILLE • Councilwoman JoAnn Almond returned to City Hall on Thursday after missing a month of meetings, having narrowly avoided a life-threatening heart attack.

“My doctor told me, ‘JoAnn, you cannot believe how close you were,’” the fourth-term councilwoman said, relieved to be feeling almost normal again after weeks at home.

Almond said doctors found a blockage in her heart, and she underwent an angioplasty and had a stent inserted into her artery to allow more blood flow.

Before this recent bout with illness, Almond was certain she was running for reelection in November, competing with Councilman Terry Caldwell and any challengers for two open seats on the council. Afterward, she said both her husband and the granddaughter she’s raising were hoping she’d opt to avoid the stress it brings.

“But I told my husband, ‘I want to see this city made whole,’” Almond said, optimistic that the next four years will be brighter for Victorville than the past couple have been.

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Brooke Edwards may be reached at (760) 955-5358 or at bedwards@VVDailyPress.com.