Councilwoman Apologizes for Obscene Gesture at Feinstein

SIMI VALLEY — Controversial pro-gun Councilwoman Sandi Webb apologized Friday for making an obscene gesture at U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, saying: “I blew it and I’m sorry.”

Webb faxed a letter of apology to Feinstein’s office from Simi Valley City Hall. And she signed an open letter to the citizens of Simi Valley apologizing for throwing the senator a middle-fingered salute in a dispute over gun control.

“While I strongly disagree with you over the issues, I should not have lost my temper like that,” Webb wrote to Feinstein. “I want to apologize to you.”

Feinstein replied through an aide, “Frankly, I happened not to see the incident. But so much has been made of it that now I’m sorry I missed it. Of course I accept the councilwoman’s apology.”

Webb got herself in trouble Tuesday. Angered by Feinstein’s remarks at a Washington meeting that criticized a proposed repeal of the assault weapons ban, Webb waved her middle finger at the senator and stormed out.

Feinstein said later through an aide, “I’ve been flipped off by bigger birds than that.”

But Webb’s apology may not be enough to save her seat in the local chapter of the National Rifle Assn. Chapter President Mike Mason said members have discussed penalties such as suspension, a public letter to newspapers criticizing Webb, or kicking her off the local members council.