Hands Across the Sand Slash Oil event

Hundreds of people gathered on Ocean Beach at 10am for a peaceful exercise in Democracy and community, aimed at, but not limited to, the Gulf crisis. Over 700 similar events are happening around the world. San Francisco, CA, USA, 26/06/2010.

Hands Across the Sand is a movement which began in Florida on February 13th 2010 with a statewide gathering against offshore drilling. They are predominantly concerned with the protection of our coastal economies, oceans, marine wildlife and the fishing industry. It is a global gathering of the people of the world with a clear message, “NO to offshore Oil Drilling, YES to Clean Energy.”

The first part involved people lying on the sand in a ‘slash oil’ image which was photographed from above by a helicopter. Then people made their way yo the water’s edge and held hands in a long line.

The event was organised by San Francisco cab driver Brad Newsham and was entirely self-funded, costing nearly $3000. People could make a donation and sign up to receive a postcard image of the day.