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WHEREAS, Dianne Feinstein, a tireless advocate, dedicated public servant and trailblazer, passed away on September 29, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable accomplishments in the vibrant city of San Francisco; and,
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WHEREAS, born in San Francisco in 1933, Feinstein's life was intricately woven into the fabric of this city she loved so dearly, and her impact on the community will be remembered for generations to come; and,
WHEREAS, Feinstein's journey into the world of public service began in 1969 when she was appointed to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors; and,
WHEREAS, her tenure on the board was marked by a deep commitment to addressing the city's most pressing issues, and her passion for making San Francisco a better place for all its residents was evident from the start; and,
WHEREAS, she championed affordable housing initiatives, promoted public health reforms, and fought tirelessly for civil and LGBTQIA+ rights; and,
WHEREAS, in 1978, tragedy struck when Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk were viciously assassinated by former Supervisor Dan White; and,
WHEREAS, Dianne Feinstein, who was President of the Board of Supervisors at the time, stepped into the role of acting mayor with grace and strength; and,
WHEREAS, during her time as mayor, she faced one of the city's most challenging moments, guiding San Francisco through its darkest hours; and,
WHEREAS, her leadership and poise during this turbulent period earned her the admiration and respect of the entire city; and,
WHEREAS, Feinstein's impact extended well beyond her time as mayor; and,
WHEREAS, her long and distinguished career included serving as California's United States Senator, a position she held for several decades, and throughout her tenure, she remained a staunch advocate not just for Californians, but for all Americans, championing causes that ranged from environmental protection to healthcare access and gun control; and,
WHEREAS, in the realm of environmental conservation, Feinstein played a pivotal role in preserving and protecting the natural beauty of San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area by fighting for the expansion of national parks, including the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and ensuring that future generations would have the opportunity to enjoy these treasures; and,
WHEREAS, while serving on the US Senate, Dianne Feinstein was only one of fourteen senators to vote against the original Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 which defined marriage as being between a man and a woman; and,
WHEREAS, while being the longest serving woman senator in United States history, she was a tireless philanthropist, supporting numerous charitable causes that benefited the community she held so dear and her dedication to education, healthcare, and social justice improved the lives of countless individuals and families in the United States; and,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that while the City of Pittsburgh mourns the passing of Dianne Feinstein, we also celebrate her legacy and profound impact; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh calls on all current and future public servants to draw from Dianne Feinstein’s passion, compassion, dedication, fearlessness, and unwavering commitment to public service while advocating for progressive policies.