Wednesday Soapbox Cartoonist's take

Feinstein's kindness as mayor left lasting memory

The passing of Sen. Dianne Feinstein has generated an outpouring of well-deserved tributes for this remarkable person who served San Francisco and our country exceedingly well. And this service was well-balanced with the kindness she showed throughout her life in many small and touching ways. I experienced such kindness firsthand.

In 1982, I served as president of the San Francisco Special Olympics. As mayor at that time, Feinstein was the guest of honor at a Special Olympics dinner held at what is now called the Pomeroy Recreation and Rehabilitation Center in the city. During the festivities, Feinstein was seated in the center of the head table of dignitaries facing the audience, many of whom were Special Olympics athletes and others with mental and physical disabilities.

At one point during the dinner, Feinstein left her place at the table. A young woman with Down syndrome came up onto the dais and sat down in Feinstein's seat. Her presence was quite noticeable to the large crowd given the honored position she had taken, most wondering how the mayor would react.

A few minutes later, Feinstein returned to resume her place. Noticing that this young woman had taken her seat, she walked up to her, leaned over and introduced herself. We could not hear what she said, but it made the young woman smile broadly. The mayor did not ask her to leave; instead, she walked to the edge of the dais, picked up an empty chair, placed it beside the young woman and continued her conversation and dinner.

Being on the dais myself, I was deeply struck by this gentle kindness and the respect Feinstein showed this young woman. I found it remarkable and remember that moment to this very day.

Unquestionably, Dianne Feinstein was a great leader in many ways. To me, that small act spoke volumes about her character.