The People vs. Big Oil—how a working-class company town harnessed the power of local politics to reclaim their communityHome to one of the largest oil refineries in the state; Richmond; California; was once a typical company town; dominated by Chevron. This largely nonwhite; working-class city of one hundred thousand suffered from poverty; pollution; and poorly funded public services. It had one of the highest homicide rates per capita in the country and a jobless rate twice the national average.But in 2012; when veteran labor reporter Steve Early moved from New England to Richmond; he discovered a city struggling to remake itself. In Refinery Town; Early chronicles the fifteen years of successful community organizing that raised the local minimum wage; defeated a casino development project; challenged home foreclosures and evictions; and sought fair taxation of Big Oil. Here we meet a dynamic cast of characters—from ninety-four-year-old Betty Reid Soskin; the country’s oldest full-time national park ranger and witness to Richmond’s complex history; to Gayle McLaughlin; the Green mayor who challenged Chevron and won; to police chief Chris Magnus; who brought community policing to Richmond and is now one of America’s leading public safety reformers. Part urban history; part call to action; Refinery Town shows how concerned citizens can harness the power of local politics to reclaim their community and make municipal government a source of much-needed policy innovation.
#982870 in Books Adrienne Berard 2016-10-18 2016-10-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x .80 x 6.30l; .0 #File Name: 0807033537208 pagesWater Tossing Boulders How a Family of Chinese Immigrants Led the First Fight to Desegregate Schools in the Jim Crow South
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Water Tossing Boulders; worth the read.By D. LeftwichI accidentally stumbled upon this book. Since I actually live in Rosedale and I'm very interested in the history of Rosedale and Bolivar County; I chose to read it. I was not disappointed. I only knew vague details about the lawsuit. This book filled me in on the details and the outcome. It also gave me much insight into Rosedale and the smaller communities in the area. I can visualize the places the Lums and others lived; "follow" the walks to school and see some of the places of business described. Segregation tore apart many more lives than most people realize. I highly recommend this read for the story of the Lum's lives and the history and detail of the area. Many thanks to the author for her work.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Must reading for.all.interested in equality and justice.By WillaExcellent book describing context of first lawsuit against white only schooling in Mississippi in the 20s. Remarkable story of Chinese having the courage to bring a law suit and although they lost the suit was background for Thurgood Marshall and the Brown vs Board of Ed.that did end segregation. This story proves that immigrants and the "little person" Can make a very large difference;even if not easily or quickly Should bee required reading for students. Authorised great research.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Q. HuangI have learned a great deal from this book ! Thank you !
