Santa Barbara City Councilman Eric Friedman is expected to return to City Hall action in May.

“Councilmember Friedman and his family have let us know that he expects to return to light duties beginning in early May,” said Santa Barbara City Administrator Kelly McAdoo. “His initial focus will be catching up on constituent correspondence and participating in Council meetings.”

Friedman experienced a heart attack on April 5. Friedman was reportedly paddling in the water at the time. Two friends experienced in CPR provided care before paramedics arrived and took him to the hospital.

Since Friedman’s absence, other councilmembers were temporarily assigned to cover Friedman’s committee appointments.

“We know Eric is eager to get back to work, and we are thankful that he has been recovering so quickly,” McAdoo said. “We look forward to having him back in action soon.”

Friedman’s health issue forced the rescheduling of a vote on the city’s Just Cause eviction ordinance, but the matter is set for this Tuesday, April 22.

The city is expected to vote on whether to require property owners to offer tenants a first right to return to their units after an eviction for a renovation. The property owner would only be able to increase the rent a maximum of 10%.

The change is expected to pass, likely with a 4-2 vote. Friedman had opposed the ordinance in previous council discussion.

Councilmembers Meagan Harmon and Kristen Sneddon have long been supporters of the ordinance change. Councilmembers Oscar Gutierrez and Wendy Santamaria are also expected to support the ordinance. Mayor Randy Rowse and Councilmembers Mike Jordan and Friedman have opposed the ordinance.

Harmon plans to attend the meeting remotely from Abu Dhabi, where she is traveling for work.

Friedman, who also works at Trader Joe’s, has been undergoing physical therapy and rehab, according to his political consultant Ben Romo.