Lee Heidhues 10.5.2023
That insane moment in November 1978 will forever be emblazoned in my mind as I spent several hours at San Francisco City Hall on October 4 viewing Senator Feinstein’s flag draped casket and watching family and the public pay their last respects.
Dianne Feinstein has been an integral part of my life in the news cycle for 54 years. My first connection was in 1969 when she was running for Supervisor. I went into her Richmond District campaign headquarters. A young girl approached me and asked, “Are you going to vote for my mom?” It was Katherine Feinstein who later became presiding Judge of the San Francisco Superior Court.
Several years later I was editor of the Sun Reporter newspaper. I regularly attended the weekly Board of Supervisors meetings and had an opportunity to watch a young Dianne Feinstein in action. On occasion I would speak briefly with her. She was always accessible and very forthcoming.
Over the decades as Dianne Feinstein’s career advance I did not agree with some of her policy positions but I found her to be very forthright, honest, clear about what she wanted and always prepared.
Today I feel as if something is missing in my life.
It is perhaps fitting that Senator Feinstein passed away just before the annual fleet week celebration. This event has become a part of the City’s landscape. It was instituted by Mayor Feinstein in 1981. This year the Blue Angels were flying back and forth through the City as Dianne Feinstein’s funeral service was taking place in front of City Hall in torrid 90 degree weather.
Lee's Perspective 