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June 26th, 2015 Trans Pride Seattle kicks off Pride weekend in Seattle with a march to support those in the Transgender community as they continue their struggle for justice and dignity. Hundreds gathered at Seattle Central before marching and were joined by a lone Bible beater with a sign. Although he was asked to leave by both organizers and police, he did not, and according to organizers the police took no further action, although the organizers had a permit and felt harassed. The bigot was mostly ignored as those at the rally were far to busy having a good time and celebrating to pay attention to him. The Christian fundamentalist eventually found himself “glitterbombed”. Marchers took a route through Capitol Hill down Broadway to Pike, up Pike to 11th, and into Cal Anderson Park, where they were joined by hundreds of others. Booths from organizations like the Ingersoll Gender Center, Gender Justice League, Gay City Health and API Chaya were set up to provide information and get people involved in the community. Mayor Ed Murray spoke briefly and declared June 26th, 2015 to be Transgender Pride Day in Seattle.

From transprideseattle.org ” Trans* Pride Seattle: Trans* Pride Seattle is an annual event organized by Gender Justice League in association with local organizations who support the Seattle-area trans* and gender non-conforming community. Supporting organizations for Trans* Pride Seattle from past years include (but are not limited to) the GBSA, Café Vita, The Pride Foundation, Gay City Health Project, and Social Justice Fund Northwest. Trans* Pride Seattle is open to everyone who believes trans* and gender non-conforming people deserve to live lives free from violence, discrimination, stigmatization, poverty, hatred, rejection, medical abuse and neglect, and mental pathologization. We encourage the participation of groups, organizations, and individuals in the trans* and gender non-conforming community and those offering services directly to our community. The Mission The goal of Trans* Pride Seattle is to increase the strength of the trans* and gender non-conforming community and its allies, both within and beyond Seattle, through increased visibility, decreased isolation, increased connection and love, and the celebration of our amazing lives. Together as a community we do more than survive, we thrive; creating collective endeavors that support our needs as parents, children, friends, lovers, students and workers; building space within the various communities to which we belong to participate fully, as our entire selves; and fighting for freedom, rights and respect in society. Trans* Pride Seattle is a vital step in this journey. Trans* Pride Seattle seeks to show our numbers, share our ideas, and call for an end to the violence, discrimination, stigmatization, poverty, hatred, rejection, medical abuse and neglect, and mental health pathologization that trans* and gender non-conforming people face. We aim to increase the visibility and acceptance of Seattle’s vibrant trans* and gender non-conforming communities by recruiting allies and engaging the wider community on trans* issues while celebrating our rich diversity, strength, and beauty. The Date Trans* Pride Seattle takes place on the Friday before Seattle’s Pride Festivities (the last weekend in June).  Trans* Pride Seattle 2015 will take place on June 26th. The March starts at 6:00pm (assembly beginning at 5pm), with festivities in Cal Anderson running from 6:45pm to 10:00pm. The March Trans* Pride Seattle starts with a march. We assemble at the courtyard north of Seattle Central Community College for the march at 5:00pm. At 6:00pm we begin to march down Broadway towards Pike Street where we turn left, march east on Pike Street and then left onto 11th. The March will end with a rally and celebration in Cal Anderson Park. The Rally Trans* Pride Seattle is proud to curate a diverse and powerful group of speakers and performers from around the United States. A few speakers from select local organizations will also be taking the stage to discuss their work and the services and opportunities they offer.  In addition, there will be an information and resource fair with a wide variety of community groups and organizations doing outreach. There’ll also be food trucks and our beloved community out in full force! And You The Trans* Pride Seattle events in 2013 and 2014 were both a smashing success, with participation by thousands of community members and allies. We received the support and involvement of a wide range of community organization as well as coverage by local, national and international media. Let’s continue the tradition and make 2015’s Trans* Pride Seattle an unforgettable gathering, celebration and rallying cry heard around the world. Please help us out by donating and joining us in volunteering .”

Activists in kayaks, canoes, pontoons and sailboats, visited Chambers Bay during the U.S. Open with signs protesting climate change and oil trains as Professional Golf Association pro’s trod the dead grass of the brown fairways. Boats from the water could easily see the effects of warmer days and drought conditions in Western Washington as the brown of the golf course stood out against the evergreens and blue sky. One catamaran hoisted a massive banner that read “No Oil Trains” as Burlington Northern Santa Fe locomotives pulled trains of boxcars and oil tankers between the course and the water. Activists mentioned that during the train watch, up to four entire trains of Bakken Crude tankers went by the course daily, yet during the tournament, none did.

As Mt. Rainier provided the dramatic scenery, two sailboats raised a banner between them that read “Save Our Climate”. The boats rotated between showing their banners to the land and to those watching the events from the water, well behind the Coast Guards 1000 yard “security” zone. Armed Coast Guard vessels along with a Pierce County Sheriff boat, one from Mercer Island Police, and also from the Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Patrol, patrolled the “security” line, warning kayaks, spectator powerboats, and sailboats as they drifted with the current, that they had crossed the line.

The Seattle Raging Grannies sang from the powerboat as activists from Olympia, Tacoma, and as far as Salem, Oregon joined them from the water. One paddler from Puyallup, Chris Canfield, says “You guys are out here saying hey, this what we believe in, this is our message. It’s a good message.” After four hours of paddling some activists were feeling the effects of the sun and strong current. Activists began to turn back and some were towed as the tide began to change and the wind began to slacken. No arrests were made and all activists returned safely.

From the event website…

“Enjoy Father’s day and the first day of summer, on the water, while making a powerful statement to protect our environment and our future.

Join the People’s Climate Action Fleet, Sunday- June 21, 2015 off the coast of the Chambers Bay Golf Course in Pierce County. Bring all your watercraft – kayaks, canoes, sailboats, and power boats. The Chambers Bay Golf Course hosts the 2015 U.S. Open Golf Tournament June 15^th-21^st.   More than two hundred thousand people will attend the tournament and one hundred million more will watch the action on television.

This is our chance to bring a dramatic climate justice message to the attention of a national and international audience

Chambers Bay is a new world-class golf course immediately north of Steilacoom. The train tracks run between the golf course and Puget Sound.

100-car oil trains already use the tracks several times a day to transport oil to refineries in Tacoma, Anacortes, and Cherry Point. The streets around Chambers Bay will closed to the public during the tournament, but boats and kayaks on the Sound will be visible to all the cameras and spectators. One of the chief attractions of the golf course is the spectacular view of the Salish Sea, Fox Island, McNeil Island and the Olympics.  We hope to steer our fleet, with signs, kites and balloons carrying our message, into the middle of that view. We envision a colorful demonstration, much like Rising Tide’s waterborne demonstration on the Columbia two years ago.

Coal, Oil, Gas

None Shall Pass

This is our chance to demonstrate to millions of people around the nation and around the world that the people of the Northwest understand that climate change is the greatest challenge that humans have ever faced; that we will not allow big coal, gas and oil companies to turn our coast into a hub for the export of fossil fuels; that we are determined to stop the oil train bombs that threaten all the communities through which they pass; that we demand a rapid transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy; that we will continue to raise our voices and put our bodies on the line in marches, rallies and demonstrations in order to preserve a livable future for our grand- children and for all generations to come. This time we go down to the sea in boats – the Salish Sea, Puget Sound. We hope the People’s Climate Action Fleet will carry our message!  Join us!

Your Help is Needed

A demonstration this size requires cooperation and planning throughout the Northwest. We are contacting as many active environmental groups as we can to see if they can join us. The two primary groups planning the demonstration are the Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation’s climate crisis group and the Backbone Campaign, but we will need numerous co-sponsoring groups to help at all stages of planning.  To be a co-sponsor, a group must agree to let us use its name in our e-mails and flyers. No other commitment is necessary, but keep in mind that we will need many boats, volunteers, and donations to make this vision a reality.” – http://www.peoplesclimatefleet.org/

Hundreds marched for peace in the wake of the terrorist attack in Charleston, South Carolina, where 9 black church goers were gunned down during a bible study by a white supremacist terrorist. In addition to the unarmed, black men and women killed by police, activists spoke on violence within their communities and the need to fill the streets with love and unity. Chants of “It’s family members, not family feuds. You stand with me, I’ll stand with you.” could be heard echoing through the streets.

Musicians, activists, community leaders and clergy spoke about the need for peace in their communities, the fear of losing loved ones, the importance of women in the movement, and recognizing those still suffering in the LGBTQ community. Sheley Secrest from the NAACP spoke to the crowd and said “Understand this is more than a hashtag, understand this is more than a moment, this is a movement.”

The demonstration took the streets in front of the Seattle Police Department Headquarters where officers could be seen keeping an eye on the protest as it moved to Westlake Park where activists held Pike and 4th until marching to Myrtle Edwards Park. Seattle Police blocked streets and officers on bicycles escorted the crowd but no arrests were made.

From the event Facebook page…

“United Gang Member’s (active/un-active/affiliated) of Seattle have came together, and decided that they will peacefully march in solidarity with our brothers, and sisters, and other black organizations across the nation.

We are Tired of waking up to black men, women, children dead because of violence in our community, or police brutality.

Join us, and let’s let our voices be heard! United WE stand, divided WE fall!

***DETAILS***

We will be meeting at the Seattle Police Department Headquarters downtown. We will hold actions/demonstrate for higher police accountability. We will then hold actions/demonstrate in front of City Hall for more accountability from the Mayor, and the City.

Then we will march to Myrtle Edwards Park map to hold a memorial for our beloved love one’s who have lost a life due to violence, and also hold a community accountability action/demonstration, and a “releasing of balloons ceremony” in memory of our people.

***This event may change routes/times/locations, and etc. Please stay tuned for more, and spread widely. All people are encouraged to come support don’t be discouraged if you are not black, or gang affiliated.***

For more information email: UnitedHoodMarchSeattle@gmail.com”

– United Hood March Seattle

Workers from the Space Needle, members of Unite Here Local 8, other union supporters, city council candidates, and four current city council members held a rally in front of the Space Needle today to fight for job security and union visitation rights. The rally included picketing, speeches from employees and city council members, and ended with a march to Space Needle corporate offices where a delegation was sent to speak with the CEO, Ron Sevart. The workers were denied an opportunity to speak with the CEO, and instead spoke with Dave Mandapat, the director of public relations. While workers couldn’t meet with Ron Sevart, City Council members Bruce Harrell and Mike O’Brien did have that opportunity.

“SEATTLE – Space Needle workers and political, labor and community supporters rallied Friday to reject the Space Needle’s recent offer of raises with unacceptable strings attached.

The event began with a picket at the base of Space Needle. Workers carried picket signs reading “This is My Space Needle” and chanted “What do we want? Job Security! When do we want it? Now!”

Space Needle workers recently ended a month-long effort at mediation with their employer and are continuing their fight for raises, protection from losing their jobs through subcontracting, and union rights.

The picket was followed by words of support from City Councilmembers Bruce Harrell and Kshama Sawant. Also in attendance were Councilmembers Jean Godden and Mike O’Brien.

“You have a strong council who understands,” said Councilmember Harrell. “We will prevail because we are on the right side.”

“The majority of city councilmembers and candidates support Space Needle workers,” said Councilmember Sawant.

Bargaining committee member and Space Needle Barista Holly Hodson told the crowd, “I’ve been a hard-working and loyal employee for a decade. I want there to be a little bit more standing between me and unemployment than a politely worded request. We need a guarantee of real job security. As Space Needle workers right now, we all have to ask ourselves–what would we do if we lost our jobs?”

The company’s latest proposal offered raises that were conditional on workers sacrificing job security protections and accepting unprecedented restrictions on their access to union representation.

Lee Plaster, a banquet server who has worked at the Space Needle for 25 years, told those assembled, “I can’t get by with just this one job. This whole week, I’ve been spending time at my second job at a hotel downtown. My income from the Space Needle has dropped drastically in the last four years.”

In a written statement of support, Councilmember John Okamoto wrote, “I am disheartened to hear that Space Needle workers have not received a raise in over 1,000 days, and I believe that a raise should not have to come at the expense of job security.”

Following the rally, the crowd marched to Space Needle corporate headquarters on 6^th Avenue. There, Space Needle workers went inside the corporate offices to deliver the message that the Space Needle’s poison candy offer was unacceptable.

In a separate statement, Local 8 has notified Space Needle ownership that workers will return to mediation when the company is ready to discuss real subcontracting solutions and to cease its efforts to deny workers access to their union.

“I’m a part of this fight, and I’m going to stay in this fight one day longer than the Space Needle, because I know firsthand how great this company could be to work for. I’ve seen that and been part of that in the past. I’m fighting so that we can all get the raises and job security we deserve, so that this company can return to the great place it used to be,” said Plaster.”

– CONTACT: Abby Lawlor | (206) 963-6458 | abby@8.unitehere.org| @uniteherelocal8

Organizers from groups such as Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ), Coalition of Anti Racist Whites (CARW), and Jewish Voices for Peace, worked in solidarity with leaders in the black community to organize vigils in Seattle. While leaders in the Black community held a vigil at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Capitol Hill Neighborhood of Seattle, over 70, mostly white, activists organized a candlelight vigil at Westlake Park. According to a leaflet passed around at the event, “As white people, we are committed to speaking up and taking action against this and other deadly attacks on black lives from the murder of Tamir Rice in Cleveland, Rekia Boyd in Chicago, and so many more.”

From a statement put out by the organizers…

“Vigil Participants Call On White Communities to Show Up for Racial Justice

On June 18, community members gathered to mourn  and extend solidarity to the people of Charleston, South Carolina.  This vigil was organized in response to the murder of nine Black community members in a Charleston church, killed by a young white man.

A group of over seventy people, primarily white people, gathered at Westlake for a vigil in solidarity and mourning with Charleston.  This vigil was organized by members of Showing Up of Racial Justice (SURJ), Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), and the Coalition of Anti-Racist Whites (CARW), as well as concerned community members.   It was open to all and aimed primarily at white folks calling on their own communities to mourn and be in solidarity and coordination with the movement for racial justice across the country and locally.

Folks gathered with signs that said, “Black Lives Matter,” “white silence = white compliance,” “White people: what will we do to change our legacy of violence?”  They lit candles, held ten minutes of silence for the lives lost in the Charleston Shooting, as well as Black lives targeted by racist violence, and sang.  At the closing, Jewish Voices for Peace lead two prayers, the mourners kiddish, the prayer for mourning and the mi sheberach, the prayer for healing.

This action was organized in conjunction with numerous Black-led vigils happening in Seattle — as white people committed to showing up for racial justice, we were called to encouraged to organize this vigil to reach our broader white community. There was a black led vigil earlier Thursday night a 6:30pm at First Methodist Episcopal Church.  There will be a vigil Friday evening, June 19^th, organized by Black Lives Matter and the NAACP at Pratt Park (20th & Yesler).

Participants reflect on the experience…

“I’m here tonight first and foremost to grieve the loss of lives through this most recent act of terrorism against black bodies, and to show up with other white people who are committed to both owning and ending our legacy of racism, since it isn’t a thing of the past.  The massacre in Charleston is part of a continuum of everyday violence that black people face in this country, and the time is now for us to act.” – Kelsen Caldwell with the Coalition of Anti-Racist Whites

“The Charleston massacre is yet another expression of the legacy of white violence and genocide in this country – a legacy that all white people are responsible for interrupting. This is a white problem and it is time for white people to say, “Not in Our Name!” Dylann Roof was not a lone, psychopathic killer. He was acting out of the racist beliefs and practices that run business as usual in this country – beliefs that tell white people we are safer when Black people are locked up and killed. These lies cost Black people their lives and dignity on a daily basis, and white people lose our integrity and our humanity when we sit silently by while our Black community members are being dehumanized and murdered in our names. I lovingly call all white people to speak up and act on the right side of history – with all black, brown, and white people demanding dignity and justice for Black people and a world in which Black Lives truly Matter. ” – Briana Herman-Brand, community member

“The tragedy of the shooting at the Charleston AME is a manifestation of the racism that is so deep and widespread throughout our society. Jewish Voice for Peace is committed to ending white supremacy. White supremacy kills.”
– Eva Dale, Jewish Voice for Peace – Seattle

“For me it was after waking up and hearing the news about the shooting that happened in Charleston it was really important to come and grieve with people. To show up and take responsibility and to understand that white people have a real problem on our hands.  It’s our responsibility to imagine and co-create a society that is not based in white supremacy.  It really feels like we are failing, letting white supremacy rear its ugly head all over the place, “

-Ross Kirshenbaum, community member”

Activists hit the water at 4am this morning in an attempt to stop or slow down Shell’s Arctic drilling rig, the Polar Pioneer as it moved through Elliott Bay. Over 30 kayaks could be seen maneuvering through the choppy water as they gauged the 500 yard “safety zone”, a change from the previous 100 yard zone,  pushed through by Shell with an injunction to prevent protestors from stopping the vessel.  As the rig began to move, the U.S. Coast Guard began pulling activists and kayaks out of the water and they infringed upon the safety zone. Kayaktivists were given several warnings to disperse by the Coast Guard as they pulled a banner across the mouth of the Duwamish River, only to have it seized by Port of Seattle Harbor Police. KOMO news is reporting 24 activists were pulled from the water and detained by the Coast Guard, including Seattle City Council member Mike O’Brien. One native canoe continued the chase until the Foss tugs pulling the Arctic drilling rig picked up speed and kayaks and canoes could no longer keep up. Activists have vowed to continue the blockade at Bainbridge Island and Port Townsend.

*UPDATE

According to one kayaktivist detained by the Coast Guard, Carlo Voli, all activists have been released and their kayaks returned. A decision is currently being made on whether to accept the $250 fine, or contest the charges in court.

More information can be found here…

https://shellno.org/flotilla.php

https://www.facebook.com/shellnoactioncouncil?fref=ts

Activists continue their protest against Royal Dutch Shell’s Arctic drilling rig, The Polar Pioneer, as members of the Idle No More movement hold a “Native Women Rising” rally at Don Armeni Park in Seattle.

From the Idle No More press release…

“SEATTLE, WA – On Sunday June 14, 2015 Idle No More Washington is organizing a nonviolent, Native-led, peaceful resistance to the Shell rig, ‘The Polar Pioneer’ that occupies the Port of Seattle Terminal #5. This is an open-invitation to all (Natives and non-Natives), a family-friendly event that features Native American, Alaska Natives, and People of Color life-givers (female) who are defenders for the people, land, environment, the Arctic and the Salish Sea. We are asking the media to be sure to interview Native and People of Color speakers and performers.

The traditional canoes from the Swinomish Tribe, with skipper Eric Day, will leave the Don Armeni Boat Ramp, 1222 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, 98116 at 11 am (pre-interviews can take place from 10 – 11 am)…

…The Arctic and Salish Sea has sustained sacred life for millennium. Natives and non-natives are unified in seeking spiritual guidance to bring a peaceful resolution to protect the Arctic and Salish Sea.  We raise our hands (honor) the Coast Salish People on the sacred land and Salish Sea we will gather, the Muckleshoot Tribe, Duwamish Tribe, and Suquamish Tribe of whom we have asked permission to do this cultural and spiritual work.

This is much bigger than Royal Dutch Shell to use the Port of Seattle Terminal #5 for their drilling rigs, and stopping the drilling in the Arctic. We must ask how can we can make a commitment in finding other sources of energy, revenue, and work that is not devastating to our traditional way of life, contribute to climate change, and rising sea levels. How can we seek other alternative energy sources beside the proposed coal and oil terminals, the transport of them through the State of Washington? It will take all of us working together to make this a world in which we can be proud of, and making a difference for our children. This event has sparked hope and inspired Natives in Alaska to organize their own event on the same day! I hope together we can do something that is befitting our ancestors love for this land, the Arctic, and Salish Sea! You are invited to join us and be Idle No More!”

Members of Seattle’s LGBTQ community have had enough harassment and violence, and on Saturday night, they decided to make sure those who frequent Capitol Hill bars knew they were in a traditionally safe neighborhood for the community. Hundreds marched though the streets with candles to protest the rise in violence against those in Seattle’s LGBTQ community.

Demonstrators held a small rally at Cal Anderson Park before marching to the Oddfellows building, the site of a recent attack on a transgender person, where they lit candles and held a moment of silence for all the victims of hate crimes. The protest then moved down the Pike/Pine corridor, stopping at intersections and outside of bars like The Comet, Sams, Bimbos, Cha Cha, and The Unicorn, to make patrons aware of where they were. Some activists even entered the bars, shouting through a megaphone that the neighborhood they were in, is a queer neighborhood and that if bar patrons didn’t like that, they should go drink elsewhere.

A small escort of 6-8 SPD on bicycles followed the march and an officer wearing a bright orange shirt with a badge hanging from his neck and a radio in his hand, walked with the demonstrators as they marched around the hill. No arrests were made, although some verbal harassment was heard.

From CapitolHillSeattle.com regarding the attack near Oddfellows…

“Gender Justice League is looking to identify and offer assistance to the victim of this attack. This report comes at a time of heightened awareness in Capitol Hill’s LGBT Community of a large increase in hate violence targeted at LGBT people. Gender Justice League is actively participating in the Mayor’s LGBT Hate Crimes Task Force and hosted a Hate Crimes Town Hall in March with Councilmember Kshama Sawant’s office.

We believe a united and strong response is needed to send a clear message that bias motivated violence, harassment, and discrimination has no place on Capitol Hill. If you know the victim of this attack, please reach out to Danni Askini, Executive Director of Gender Justice League danni@genderjusticeleague.org.” – Danni Askini

From the event Facebook page…

“HELLO! We have solidified the plan for Saturday night:
Meet at the Bobby Morris Playfield (astroturf) in Cal Anderson Park at 9:30PM to begin rallying the people.

March to begin at 10:00PM
March will move through the Pike/Pine neighborhood back to SCCC to have a rally and vigil around 11:30
March will then make a broader circle from the Pike/Pine Corridor to Olive and Broadway.
The goal is to make our presence known throughout Capitol Hill and stay present on the hill throughout the entirety of Saturday night.

Our goal is to have a large force marching on the hill and getting the message out: NOT ONE MORE!

-Wear black accented by pink and rainbow #queervisibility
-This is not a violent protest. We are not responding to their hate with hate.
-The main chant will be “NOT ONE MORE”
-This is a solidarity movement. We are standing in solidarity with every member of the community who has been victimized.

ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS:
Although we cannot control street accessibility as an acknowledgement of those in our community who cannot participate in the march, we propose a candle light vigil be held throughout the evening in front of Odd Fellows to shed light on the most recent act of violence against our community.

There will be signs available for those who would like to carry, feel free to also make your own.

REMEMBER THAT OUR MESSAGE IS ONE OF SOLIDARITY FOR THE VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE ON CAPITOL HILL AND AROUND SEATTLE.

With details forthcoming of yet another incident of violence against a trans individual on Capitol Hill, the time has come to let the perpetraters of these acts know this is the last straw. NO MORE! This is not their neighborhood to terrorize and we will no longer be victim to their hate.

The increase in hate crimes which has come in direct relation to the tech boom in Seattle has garnered local and even national media attention. Yet the attacks continue to get more and more frequent, while construction explodes and businesses profit. All the while people in our community are becoming casualties. Capitol Hill has changed and is changing; continued attacks on queer individuals can no longer be a byproduct of that change.

The queer and allied residents of Capitol Hill in addition to supporters from surrounding areas must convene when and where these acts of violence have shown to be especially prone to happening. Namely: peak bar-hopping time on and around the Pike/Pine corridor. We must march together to deliver a message to those who come to the place where we have our homes and businesses to hurt those we love and care about that they are not welcome and are not to return.

Action must be quick, concise and visible in direct relation, reaction and retaliation to the problem itself as pride is less than a month away. A march on the very ground where many in the queer community will be gather to celebrate it is crucial.

Due to time sensitivity, many details are both coming to fruition and still to be determined. The general plan being to peacefully march around Capitol Hill during peak bar hours to send a message that acts hateful acts of violence toward queers will NO LONGER BE TOLERATED.

Bearing the aforementioned in mind, in the here and now two things are important to successfully delivering this message.

One being to spread the word to any like-minded individuals you may know who would be interested in participating through any and all channels you have. The second being that if you are interested and able to help, please reach out and do so. The faster we can spread the word and the more support we can get, the better.

In essence, tell your friends, save the date, get ready and stay tuned! We will have more information in the next day or so!” – OUR QUEER NEIGHBORHOOD! A March Against Violence on Capitol Hill

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) rose early Tuesday morning, wooed by a swarm of Raging Grannies and other protesters who had gathered at the Port of Seattle’s Terminal 5 bridge and Chelan Avenue South. Protesters attempted to prevent workers from boarding Royal Dutch Shell’s Arctic oil-drilling rig, the Polar Pioneer. For a few hours, they succeeded.

The Polar Pioneer, has seen it’s share of protests since it’s arrival in Puget Sound on May 14th. Demonstrators have been protesting the rig both on land, and on water in kayaks in an attempt to bring attention to the possible devastation and a more than 75 percent chance of an oil spill on the rig once it reaches the Arctic, according to Alaska Public Media. (http://www.alaskapublic.org/2015/04/27/boem-explains-75-chance-of-arctic-oil-spill/)

Three activists used concrete-filled, 50-gallon drums to blockade the workers’ entrance to the rig while attaching themselves to it via armholes. Activist Zarna Joshi, who had locked herself to a concrete barrel said, “I’m locking down today because the devastation of climate change is already upon us. From India’s recent heatwave to the Philippine’s Typhoon Haiyan, innocent lives are being destroyed all over the world. I can’t stand by and watch Shell, a reckless and selfish fossil fuel corporation, drill in the Arctic and make climate change even worse. The Arctic belongs to Mother Earth, and Shell can’t have it.”

Using a lockbox device for human blockades, two activists blocked a side road that could be used to get rig workers through. Another used an elbow shaped lockbox to attach themselves to a car at the Chelan Avenue South location. Activists blockading the bridge, side road and attached to the car decided to self-release in order to avoid jail. Rosie Daniels locked their arms to a car said, “All avenues which [someone] would go through to stop the rig have been exhausted and the people have made their voice loud and clear.”

The Raging Grannies continued their protest, causing SPD to bring out the power tools and begin clipping chains. The Grannies sat in rocking chairs, sipping tea and knitting, as more than 25 officers from both the Port of Seattle and SPD swarmed around them. Thick plastic sheets were draped over the Grannies as officers cut through the lockboxes. As the Grannies were led away, as demonstrators shouted “Stop Shell, not Grannies”. The goal of the protest was to “disrupt work on the rig to delay it’s (sic) departure from Seattle”. Protesters blocked the entrance to Terminal 5 for approximately three hours before workers found a way in. Five demonstrators were arrested but all were released by 1pm.

From the event Facebook page…