SANTA BARBARA — Amid growing outrage over Governor Gavin Newsom’s silence regarding Sable Offshore’s oil operations, community members and student activists will gather for a peaceful demonstration on Thursday, May 29 at 7:00 AM at Gaviota State Park.
Sable Offshore has begun pumping oil from offshore platforms that were abandoned for more than a decade, and pipeline work at Gaviota State Park is expected to finish this week. Environmental advocates say the silence from the Governor’s office—and the waivers granted by State Parks and Fire Marshal agencies—suggest tacit approval from the highest levels of state government.
“We need to tell Governor Newsom that we see what he’s doing—and what he’s not doing,” said organizers from Women’s March Santa Barbara. “He must act now to protect our coastline, our climate, and our future—not oil company profits.”
WHAT: Peaceful Gathering in Support of UCSB Student Action
WHEN: Thursday, May 29 at 7:00 AM WHERE: Gaviota State Park campground area (first entrance from northbound Highway 101)
Participants will hold signs, take photos, and stand in solidarity with students before dispersing to allow them to attend morning classes. Organizers encourage carpooling and emphasize that the event is designed to allow participants to return to Santa Barbara before the start of the typical workday.
WHY: To call on Governor Newsom to immediately halt the Sable oil project and protect the Gaviota Coast, local ecosystems, and frontline communities from renewed fossil fuel extraction.
Join us for a beautiful and impactful morning on the Gaviota Coast—because protecting our environment can’t wait.