by Garrett McAuliffe
Sam Hardage
Advocates for corporate accountability claimed victory Monday, Dec. 1, despite a verdict handed down acquitting Chevron Corporation of complicity in human rights abuses in Nigeria. The case of Bowoto v. Chevron focused on the oil giant’s relationship with the notoriously violent Nigerian police and military, and their actions against Nigerians who peacefully protested the destruction of their environment and livelihood.
Under the supervision of Chevron personnel, Nigerian police and military killed two protestors, permanently injured others and took many to jail where they were tortured. The jury was charged with deciding whether Chevron aided the Nigerian military, in violation of international law.
The silver lining, despite the acquittal, lay in the fact that the case’s trial had progressed so far in the U.S. court system, the fi rst time such a case against a company for abuses overseas has gone before a jury.
A boisterous rally was held in San Francisco on the day of the verdict outside the Chevron station at 9th and Howard.
Corporate accountability advocates vowed to continue their struggle to bring Chevron and other corporations to justice for such human rights violations committed abroad. For more information, visit http://JusticeInNigeriaNow.org.
Hearing in Emeryville hotel dispute over back wages to be held
In a story with parallels to the holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol,” Woodfin hotel owner Sam Hardage is continuing to refuse to pay about $200,000 in back wages to dozens of working immigrant mothers.
Hardage’s business has spent about twice that sum on largely unsuccessful litigation trying to overturn the city’s living wage ordinance.
The Emeryville City Council will continue its hearing Monday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m.
Mayor Newsom announces shopping incentives for Bay Area residents
To spur the local economy during the holiday shopping season, Mayor Newsom announced Shop SF, Get More, a city-wide incentive program to encourage Bay Area residents to visit, shop, and stay in San Francisco during December and January.
The program will allow residents of the city and surrounding counties to ride Muni on one transfer all day, every Sunday with the Sunday FunDay pass.
There will also be discounts on city-owned parking garages, at participating merchants and at certain hotels and restaurants, along with added free days for museums.
Available discounts will be compiled on the Convention & Visitors Bureau website, www.onlyinSanFrancisco.com.
San Mateo County releases official statistics for Nov. 4 Presidential Election
San Mateo released official county ballot results last week for the presidential election on Nov. 4. An audit encompassing all Vote by Mail ballots and paper and provisional ballots cast at the polls took place over a 28-day Canvass, that officially certifi ed the results.
The results showed more people registered to vote in San Mateo County than ever before and more voters voting than ever before in this election, resulting in a 79 percent turnout, the highest since 1992.
The official election results are published in the Statement of the Vote which is now available on the San Mateo County Elections website, www.shapethefuture.org.
The Secretary of State is required to compile the final Statement of Vote for the State of California no later than Dec. 13, and should be available at www.sos.ca.gov.
