Protesters Shut Down Entire Block in front of Wells Fargo's Global Headquarters

At a mass rally in front of Wells Fargo Bank’s global headquarters, demonstrators called on Big Oil’s largest lender to halt its financing of fossil fuels. To call attention to their cause, protesters shut down the entire block of California St. between Sansome and Montgomery streets, causing all traffic be diverted. As part of the protest, a group of indigenous women affiliated with Idle No More (SF Bay) held fast in front of one of the bank’s major entrances at 464 California St.

Auto traffic was blocked from entering the street by protesters and cable cars were halted. Campaign organizer with 350 Silicon Valley Vanessa Warheit said that while people were inconvenienced, it is important to see minor traffic delays in light of the huge danger of global warming. She also said, from a podium set up directly in front of the bank’s entrance, that protesters understand that workers at Wells Fargo have families to feed and jobs at the bank they need; “it is Wells Fargo’s funding of fossil fuels that must change,” she said.

The group 350 Silicon Valley, along with 49 partnering organizations, issued a statement saying they want Wells Fargo to invest in clean energy solutions to the climate crisis, instead of what the bank calls “traditional energy sources.” The three hour demonstration included non-violent direct action, a lockdown with protesters attached to oil drums rendering themselves immobile. Monday's rally was the grand finale following a 34 mile march to San Francisco that began in Palo Alto.