True Cost of Chevron: Shareholders Protest

Today (Weds, May 27), Mayor of Richmond Gayle McLaughlin attended the Chevron Shareholder's meeting, along with delegates representing Nigeria, Burma, Ecuador, Kazakhstan, Philippines, and Canada. The delegates introduced to the meeting this year's alternative Chevron annual report: The True Cost of Chevron. Board Chair David O'Reilly was reported, by the delegates, to have said that the alternative report was "an insult and should have been thrown in the trash". The annual report documents the ecological and human damage caused by mismanagement of infrastructure, laborers, and the environment. Backing the report was Amazon Watch and the Rainforest Action Network.

Iraq Veterans Against the War, along with World Can't Wait, US Labor Against the War and Code Pink were present at the protest to speak out against the Oil War in the Middle East.

Joining these groups were concerned citizens from the Bay Area, along with citizens of San Ramon, where Chevron locates its hq, itself.

Officers from the San Ramon Police Department were present with tasers (never taken out of holster at any time). Also present were Chevron's out private security. Chevron had a representative with a camera to take photos of the crowd.

Activists blocked the main gate entering the Chevron offices, including a few in a lock down position.

A handful of concerned shareholders did come out and meet with some of the protesters at the end of the demonstration.