60 Anti-War Protests Arrested in SF Today

60 anti-war protesters have been arrested outside ChevronTexaco headquarters in San Ramon so far today. Contra Costa County sheriff´s spokesman Jimmy Lee warned that property destruction or violence will force officers to begin making more arrests. Police say 59 protestors were arrested for obstruction of a roadway and one person was arrested for battery.

Workers are parking their cars nearby and walking in to work. Bollinger Canyon Road, a busy commuter artery, remains open. Flags and banners are flying everywhere. Anti-war demonstrations have dwindled since American troops reached Baghdad and ousted the regime of Saddam Hussein.

However, authorities say they are prepared if a big crowd shows up. Protest groups say ChevronTexaco will benefit from American access to Iraqi oil supplies. A company official has denied that claim. The demonstrators also want ChevronTexaco officials to denounce the war effort.