Updated: 6:00 pm PST
We’ve got the first video of the mobilization up now and a couple updates. All 14 people who were arrested at the refinery this afternoon have been released, and they’re action wasn’t just noticed by the police. Along with the march, the direct action has been covered by media across the Bay Area and country. Many thanks to everyone who came out — remember to get us your story, by uploading your photos to Flickr and tagging them: richmond, chevron, climate justice, mcjwest, and protestchevron. More info to come!
Updated: 5:00 pm PST
What do you do when a multi-billion dollar company dumps 100,000 pounds in your community? Fight back. Today, hundreds of Richmond residents and supporters from across the Bay Area, around the country, and around the world, joined together to protest Chevron’s gross human rights and environmental justice violations.
The day started with a rally in downtown Richmond, with speakers from groups like the West County Toxics Coalition, Communities for a Better Environment, and the Asian Pacific Environmental Network, and performers and music. Lead by the Mayor of Richmond, hundreds of people then marched to the Chevron refinery in Richmond, the largest industrial polluter in 
the Bay Area.
At the refinery, over 500 people peacefully protested outside the Chevron gates, which were guarded by over 100 police in full riot gear. 13 people were arrested in an act of non-violent civil disobedience (more updates on the arrest to come) to show the community’s commitment to ending environmental justice and fighting for good, clean jobs in Richmond and around the world.
2:00 pm PST
Hundreds of students, families, workers, and citizens gathered in Richmond, California this morning to take part in the Mobilization for Climate Justice West, a mass mobilization against Chevron’s Richmond oil refinery to protest Chevron’s continued attempts to expand crude oil production and interfere with climate solutions.
The mobilization was not only a protest, but a celebration. Hip-hop artists fired up the crowd, local bands got people’s feet moving, and puppets and performers wove together issues of justice, environment, public health, and solidarity.
Stay tuned to IGHIH for more live updates and photos from the march, which just got underway and is headed towards the Richmond refinery as a speak. You can also follow the Mobilization on Twitter @protestchevron (or search #chevron #richmond or #protestchevron), Flickr, and find us on YouTube here.
