Palmdale mayor released from hospital

PALMDALE – Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford was released from Antelope Valley Hospital Monday as he continues his recovery from the heart attack he suffered on May 27.

“Although the mayor has been released from the hospital, it is very important that he continues to get his uninterrupted rest to facilitate the healing process,” said Palmdale Councilmember and family spokesman Tom Lackey.

“Mayor Ledford and his family greatly appreciate everyone’s support and desire to meet with him,” Lackey said.  “Even though he has been released from the hospital, his condition is still quite guarded.  Hopefully after a few more days, he will be able to meet with visitors.”

Ledford is said to be in “excellent spirits” and wished to “thank everyone” for their support, prayers and thoughts.

The mayor also wished to thank Joshua St. Ives, the former Marine who first noticed his condition after speaking at the Antelope Valley Detachment #930 Marine Corps League’s 17th Annual Candlelight Ceremony, held at the Lancaster Cemetery on May 27.

St. Ives and Detachment Commander Chris Chandler notified authorities to get help for the mayor, after which he was transported via ambulance to Antelope Valley Hospital.

“The mayor wishes to thank the entire Antelope Valley Hospital staff for their care and professionalism in treating him during his stay,” said Palmdale’s Communications Manager John Mlynar. “The nurses, staff and Dr. Kumar were masterful.”

In addition, the Ledford family is thankful and appreciative of all the support, prayers and good wishes bestowed upon them throughout his recovery, including the community wide prayer vigil, put together by Debbie Dino and Sandy Corrales-Eneix.

Ledford will spend the next four to eight weeks recuperating and building strength before returning to City Hall.

Those who would like to send cards, may send them to:

Mayor Jim Ledford
Palmdale City Hall, 38300 Sierra Highway, Suite A
Palmdale, CA 93550.

In lieu of flowers, the Ledford family is asking that if people would like, they may make a donation to either the VFW Post #348, or the memorial fund for Nathen Taylor, a former Sergeant in the U.S. Army, who after eight years of service that included three tours of duty (twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan) was tragically killed outside his brother’s home on April 21.

Those wishing to make a donation to the American Legion may mail donations to:

AL Post #348, 38038
6th St. East
Palmdale, CA 93550.

To make a donation for Former Army Sgt. Nathen Taylor you may visit any Antelope Valley Bank branch and request to donate funds to his Memorial Fund. Wire transfers or donations from out of state can also be made using the following routing account and savings account numbers – 122003396 (routing #) and 3010473552 (savings acct #).

(Information via press release from the City of Palmdale.)

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