Feinstein in Fresno Tuesday

She spoke to supporters of Maddy Institute at a luncheon at Picadilly Inn near the airport.  She touched on national events that affect our region, including preparing for natural disasters.  She, like many, was thinking about the millions affected by Sandy.  As a lifelong Californian, Feinstein says our state is not immune to natural disasters.

“The probabilities are up for another big earthquake in the next 20 to 30 years.  So I think local jurisdictions really need to come together,” said Feinstein.

While the eastern states deal with the aftermath, Feinstein feels the west should prepare for what could come our way.

“We've been trying to get police, fire, ambulance communications, inter-operable, in other words, they can talk to each other.  And I think we've made good strides there but there's more work that needs to be done,” said Feinstein.

The group that invited Feinstein to Fresno, the Maddy Institute, connects students to politics.  Two University High School students were given academic awards.  Feinstein has been a U.S. Senator for longer than the honorees have been alive.

“I find it admirable that she's able to be so determined about her standing and I think a lot of the changes she's wanting are very good for our community,” said Jordan Stritzel, who received an award.

Feinstein is running for re-election.  Tuesday she responded to recent criticism for refusing to debate her opponent, Elizabeth Emken.

“[Emken] has no experience, she has no programs, so the only thing that's going to happen is she's going to throw bricks at me and you get enough of that in every day life,” said Feinstein.

Emken gave CBS47 this statement:

“If Senator Feinstein has time for a campaign event, she certainly has time for a debate, yet she's content to be the only sitting US Senator who refuses to face her opponent. Unfortunately for California voters, Feinstein thinks she deserves a coronation. All I want is a conversation."