Feinstein pays rare visit to Costa Mesa

Greg Risling

COSTA MESA -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Wednesday brought her blended

agenda of strict gun control, education reform and maintained health care

to the Doubletree Hotel, speaking to more than 250 business and civic

leaders.

Wearing a bright blue dress, the 66-year-old elected official was the

featured speaker at the luncheon.

Her appearance was just as much pomp and circumstance as it was part of

her drive to be reelected to the U.S. Senate. Feinstein is seeking a

second term and will face Rep. Tom Campbell [R-San Jose] in the November

election. Although Orange County is primarily GOP country, many attendees

were pleased Feinstein made an appearance.

“I think people in Orange County are concerned with the welfare of the

state and that is what her message today was about,” said Costa Mesa

Councilwoman Linda Dixon. “The county is pretty mixed bag when it comes

to politics. There are a lot of Republicans here today.”

Her 30-minute speech touched on many subjects, including the county’s

contribution to the booming economy. She praised Orange County businesses

for contributing to one of the nation’s lowest unemployment rates -- 2.5

% -- today.

“The county has been very active in productivity and growth,” she said.

“One would have to say something good is happening right now.”

Feinstein’s approval of the nation’s economic status echoed similar

statements made by fellow Democrat and President Bill Clinton. She

believes the economic hub has shifted from the traditional businesses

back East to the rapidly growing high-tech companies on the Pacific Rim.

However, Feinstein warned less attention should be paid to stock quotes

than what matters the most.

“Our economy should be measured on the education of our children, quality

of our teachers and the ability of citizens to access health care,” she

said.

Feinstein said vast improvements were needed in education. Worried that

California has fallen behind the pack when it comes to test scores, she

called for more remedial education and better salaries for teachers. She

proposed a program where teachers would receive a $60,000 salary after

spending six to eight years in the classroom.

“We can’t keep losing good teachers to administrativejobs or to

high-tech,” she added. “You have to make the salary good enough so they

don’t leave.”

Feinstein’s apparent passion is passing gun control legislation. She has

introduced a bill that would prohibit the sale, transfer or possession of

an assault weapon. She said legislators have received heavy pressure from

gun manufacturers she labeled as “vicious lobbyists.”

Feinstein also asked the women in attendance to join the “Million Mom

March” on May 14 in Washington, D.C. Organizers hope the march will send

a strong message to Congress about approving sensible gun laws.

“Join us in this march to say we women have had enough,” Feinstein

concluded.