WEBB APOLOGIZES FOR OBSCENE GESTURE.

Byline: Terry Kanakri Daily News Staff Writer

City Councilwoman Sandi Webb apologized Friday for making an obscene gesture to U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein after losing her temper over the senator's gun control stance.

Webb, who was rebuked publicly by fellow council members, issued letters of apology to the senator and the citizens of Simi Valley, saying she regretted her "unprofessional" action.

"When I'm right, I'm right, and when I'm wrong, I'm wrong," Webb said in an interview. "The more I thought about it, the more I realized I was wrong. I will fight to the death if I think I'm right, and I will stand and take my lumps if I think I'm wrong."

Webb was severely criticized by fellow council members Thursday for gesturing with a raised middle finger to Feinstein on Tuesday at a national League of Cities conference reception in Washington, D.C.

Council members were attending a California delegation reception by Democratic Sens. Feinstein and Barbara Boxer. While sitting among 50 other officials representing cities across the state, Webb became incensed when Feinstein talked about assault weapons and appealed for support to uphold their ban.

Webb, a Libertarian and a gun-toting supporter of the right to bear arms, stood up, stuck her middle finger in the air and waved her hand around as she walked out, officials said.

Council members said Webb embarrassed her city, further tarnishing a community that already suffers from image problems, especially following the Rodney King trial.

In her letter to Feinstein, which was faxed Friday to the senator's Washington office, Webb said she regretted her action.

"While I strongly disagree with you over the issues, I should not have lost my temper like that," Webb wrote. "My conduct was unprofessional and inappropriate, and I want to apologize to you."

In a statement released by Feinstein's office, the senator said she accepts Webb's apology.

"Frankly, I happened not to see the incident, but so much has been made of it that now I'm sorry I missed it," Feinstein said in a prepared statement. "Of course, I accept the councilwoman's apology."

In another letter issued to the citizens of Simi Valley, Webb wrote:

"While I disagree strongly with her on the issues, my conduct at her meeting was inappropriate. I should not have lost my cool and behaved in that manner. When I feel I'm right about something, I'll stick by it through hell or high water. But when I make a mistake, I'll admit it and take my lumps. This is one of those times. I blew it, and I'm sorry."

But some citizens say they are sympathetic to the two-term councilwoman's action and did not feel an apology was necessary.

"I think she could have been a little bit more subtle, but I don't think she owes us an apology," said Sharon Sylehak, a city resident for 30 years. "If I was there listening to all that crap, I probably think I would have done the same thing."

Sylehak said many residents appreciate Webb standing up for them against gun control.

However, Mike Mason, president of the National Rifle Association's Members Council, Ventura County East, said Webb's action did not help opponents of gun control.

"I don't think anyone using that type of an approach helps any type of cause," Mason said. "I personally would not use that approach when dealing with any situation in public. If Sandi Webb chooses to do so, then I think she should take the heat for it."

City Council members said that they hope Webb's public apologies put the controversy to rest and that Webb will refrain from future outbursts when representing the city.

"There are some rules that we have to live by, so I'm very pleased that she has apologized," Mayor Greg Stratton said.

However, Stratton said he doubted that Webb's apologies will erase all the damage to the city that has incurred following the incident.

"Everything you do has an effect," he explained. "To say it will all just go away, that's probably a little optimistic."

Other council members said they were in a forgiving mood.

"As far as I'm concerned, it's water under the bridge and we go on," Councilwoman Barbara Williamson said. "She made an error and she corrected it."

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Photo SIMI and CONEJO only) Sandi Webb "When I'm wrong, I'm wrong."