After paramedics took him to a hospital for what turned out to be dehydration while attending a groundbreaking ceremony for the Los Angeles Convention Center expansion project, City Councilman Curren Price is "resting and recovering," a spokesman for his office said Thursday.
Angelina Valencia-Dumarot, director of communications for Price's office, told City News Service in a text message that Price is "resting and recovering while staying fully engaged with his staff to ensure the work of serving District 9 continues without interruption."
Valencia-Dumarot could not immediately answer whether the councilman remained at the hospital or was discharged home.
"He remains focused on the meaningful issues that matter to neighbors -- mobilizing after a recent fire, connecting residents with jobs at next week's Fall Call for Completion Job Fair, and preparing for the inaugural Latino Carnaval in South Central on Oct. 11 at South Park -- a historic celebration of culture, music and family that reflects the heart of our community," Valencia-Dumarot said in her statement.
Price, 74, was among multiple city officials in attendance at the 7:30 a.m. event at the downtown convention center Wednesday. He appeared to become dizzy as people were speaking at the event, and Mayor Karen Bass -- who previously worked as a physician assistant -- helped tend to him.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene, placed the councilman in a wheelchair and took him to a waiting ambulance.
"During today's groundbreaking for the expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center, Council member Curren Price experienced a health-related incident," Valencia-Dumarot said in a statement Wednesday. "After undergoing initial evaluations, medical experts determined that he was suffering from dehydration. Out of an abundance of caution, he will continue to be monitored.
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"Council member Price is deeply grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and support from the community. He extends special thanks to the Los Angeles Fire Department and the medical professionals who provided immediate care, as well as to his colleagues, Council members Heather Hutt and Hugo Soto-Martínez, and Mayor Karen Bass, who quickly stepped forward to assist him," the statement added.
"Council member Price remains committed to the people of District 9 and Los Angeles. Today's incident will not lessen his dedication to serving families, strengthening neighborhoods, and working alongside the community to build a brighter future for all Angelenos."
The LAFD said only that paramedics responded to the Convention Center and took one person to a hospital in fair condition.
Price has represented the Ninth District, which includes most of South Los Angeles and Exposition Park, since 2013. He previously served in the state Assembly and state Senate.
He was charged in 2023 with multiple public corruption counts alleging he voted to approve projects involving developers who had paid money to a consulting company owned by Price's wife. He is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 3, when a hearing will be held to determine if there is enough evidence for him to stand trial.
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