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San Francisco to Honor Late Senator Dianne Feinstein at City Hall

by Chloe Baker
8 comments
Tribute to Dianne Feinstein

This Wednesday, individuals will gather at San Francisco’s City Hall to honor the memory of the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, whose distinguished political journey began in that very building, and who served as the city’s inaugural female mayor for a decade.

Feinstein’s remains will be displayed in the rotunda of City Hall, attracting a wide spectrum of attendees, from public servants to citizens, to bid her farewell. She passed away last Thursday in her Washington, D.C., residence following a series of medical complications.

Initially elected to San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors in 1969, Feinstein rose to prominence in November 1978, when a former supervisor took the lives of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. Feinstein assumed the role of acting mayor and subsequently held the mayoral office until 1988.

Her influence on San Francisco is indelible. Feinstein guided the city through the challenging periods of the HIV and AIDS epidemic, attracting national attention to an issue overlooked by then-President Ronald Reagan. She also mobilized federal and private resources to preserve the city’s signature cable cars.

During her tenure, San Francisco was the venue for the Democratic National Convention in 1984. Feinstein was also instrumental in initiating “Fleet Week” in 1981, a yearly event featuring air shows, naval displays, and military music, which is dedicated to her this year.

In addition to her role as San Francisco’s first female mayor, Feinstein and Barbara Boxer became the first women to represent California in the U.S. Senate, following their election in 1992—often referred to as the “Year of the Woman.”

She has been a source of inspiration for numerous young women and girls, including the current Mayor of San Francisco, London Breed, who is the first Black woman and only the second female mayor in the city’s history. Breed reminisced about her admiration for Feinstein during her school years when she was a member of the middle school band that frequently performed at mayoral functions.

San Francisco local Terrence Riley remembers Feinstein, as mayor, personally delivering McDonald’s meals and toys to children in the public housing projects where he resided. Pelosi, who also hails from San Francisco, referred to her as the city’s “forever mayor.”

Though her career later took her to the nation’s capital, Feinstein never disengaged from San Francisco. She maintained frequent contact with her successors, offering counsel and even lodging complaints about infrastructure issues.

John Konstin Sr., proprietor of John’s Grill, a popular downtown spot, fondly recalled Feinstein’s hands-on approach in preparing the city for the 1984 Democratic convention, overseeing tasks ranging from pothole repairs to scaffold removals.

Her remains will be available for public viewing from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. following their arrival at City Hall around 8:30 a.m. this Wednesday. A commemorative service is scheduled for Thursday outside City Hall, with speakers including Nancy Pelosi, London Breed, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. President Joe Biden is expected to contribute remarks via a pre-recorded video.

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Contributions to this report were made by journalist Haven Daley in San Francisco and researcher Randy Herschaft in New York.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dianne Feinstein Memorial

What is the primary focus of the article?

The article primarily focuses on honoring the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, elaborating on her impactful political career that began in San Francisco where she served as the first female mayor.

Where will Dianne Feinstein’s body lie in state?

Dianne Feinstein’s body will lie in state in the rotunda of San Francisco’s City Hall.

What were some of Feinstein’s significant contributions to San Francisco?

Feinstein guided San Francisco through the HIV and AIDS crisis, initiated the city’s “Fleet Week,” and played a pivotal role in preserving the iconic cable cars. She also hosted the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco in 1984.

Who are some notable speakers at Dianne Feinstein’s memorial service?

The memorial service will feature speeches from Nancy Pelosi, London Breed, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. President Joe Biden will also deliver remarks via a pre-recorded video.

What was Feinstein’s influence on current San Francisco Mayor London Breed?

London Breed, the current Mayor of San Francisco, looked up to Feinstein during her youth. Feinstein’s role as mayor inspired Breed, who was part of a middle school band that often played at events hosted by Feinstein.

How long will the public be able to pay their respects at City Hall?

The public will be able to pay their respects from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the day Feinstein’s body lies in state at City Hall.

What did Feinstein do after serving as mayor?

After serving as San Francisco’s first female mayor, Feinstein went on to represent California in the U.S. Senate alongside Barbara Boxer, becoming one of the first women to do so.

How did Feinstein maintain her connection to San Francisco even after moving to Washington, D.C.?

Even after relocating to Washington for her Senate career, Feinstein remained deeply engaged with San Francisco. She often communicated with her successors to offer advice, and at times, to bring attention to local issues like infrastructure.

Who contributed to this report?

This report was contributed to by journalist Haven Daley in San Francisco and researcher Randy Herschaft in New York.

More about Dianne Feinstein Memorial

  • Dianne Feinstein’s Senate Career
  • San Francisco City Hall
  • Democratic National Convention 1984
  • San Francisco Fleet Week
  • Feinstein and the HIV/AIDS Crisis
  • London Breed’s Mayoral Career
  • Nancy Pelosi’s Political Career
  • Memorial Service Details
  • Feinstein’s Influence on Women in Politics
  • Feinstein and Infrastructure in San Francisco

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8 comments

TomK October 4, 2023 - 12:43 pm

Interesting read, especially how Feinstein started Fleet Week. gonna miss seeing her around.

Reply
LindaGreen October 4, 2023 - 4:06 pm

Always liked her. Great to see how shes respected even after her passing. She did a lot for us here in SF.

Reply
EmilyT October 4, 2023 - 5:44 pm

Shes a true San Franciscan, through and through. Her story should be told to inspire others.

Reply
KevinJ October 4, 2023 - 7:02 pm

Must say, the article does justice to her legacy. She was the real deal, no doubt.

Reply
RachelY October 4, 2023 - 7:45 pm

Such an icon, especially for us women. Really opened doors for us in politics. Thanks for this detailed tribute.

Reply
MikeW87 October 4, 2023 - 9:41 pm

Never agreed with her politics but can’t deny her impact on the city and the senate. A full life, well-lived.

Reply
JohnDoe21 October 5, 2023 - 3:30 am

Wow, didnt know Feinstein did so much for San Fran. Truly a legend. RIP.

Reply
SaraMills October 5, 2023 - 8:59 am

it’s heartwarming to see how she inspired Mayor Breed. Women lifting up other women, thats the way it should be.

Reply

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