A day after suffering a heart attack, Santa Barbara City Councilmember Eric Friedman reportedly was awake and alert at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Sunday, according to spokesman Ben Romo.
The health emergency prompted cancellations of Tuesday’s City Council and Ordinance Committee meetings, city leaders announced Sunday. Items on the agenda for Tuesday will be rescheduled for future meetings, city staff said.
“Out of respect for Eric and his family, and due to the significance of the scheduled agenda items, we have decided to cancel the April 8 meeting and return with the agenda at a future meeting,” said Mayor Randy Rowse. “On behalf of my council colleagues, our thoughts and best wishes are with the Friedman family for a speedy recovery.”
Friedman was sedated overnight as a precautionary measure but is aware of what happened, Romo said Sunday.
The medical emergency occurred while Friedman was paddleboarding with friends off the coast of Santa Barbara.
Two of the friends with Friedman at the time of the health incident were experienced in CPR and immediately provided care, Romo added.
First responders arrived within minutes and transported the councilmember to Cottage Hospital.
“Eric’s family is with him and is exceedingly thankful to everyone who has helped during this incident,” Romo said. “The family also appreciates the well-wishes and support from friends and the community.
“At this time, the family asks that people refrain from contacting them directly so they can focus on supporting Eric,” Romo added. “More updates will be shared publicly as information becomes available.
“For now, we are thankful that Eric has access to excellent medical services and is making significant improvements.”
Friedman, who has no family history of heart disease, had no previous symptoms, according to the statement.
In the wake of the medical emergency, the family encouraged everyone to get checked by their doctors, learn the signs and symptoms of heart disease, and to become CPR certified.
Friedman, currently mayor pro-tempore and District 5’s representative, has served on the Santa Barbara City Council since 2017. He is in the middle of a rare five-year term that will end in late 2026.