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Chief Fong says torch route will be released when finalized and affirms right to protest
Summary
Chief Heather Fong told the commission the Olympic torch will pass along San Francisco’s northern waterfront (start: McCovey Cove; end: Justin Herman Plaza as of the briefing), that final route approval requires Olympic organizers, and that the department will facilitate lawful demonstrations while focusing on safety.
Chief Heather Fong addressed community concerns about secrecy and potential constraints on protest around the Olympic torch relay. She said the department knows only the start and end points at the time of the meeting — McCovey Cove for the start and Justin Herman Plaza for the finish — and that the final route must be approved by the Beijing organizing committee through the International Olympic Committee and the U.S. Olympic Committee before the city can publish a definitive route.
Fong emphasized the department’s responsibility to provide a safe event for participants, spectators and those exercising their First Amendment rights. She said there will be no designated spaces that restrict the right to speak along the route; instead, where very large groups gather the department may identify areas to accommodate them without restricting others’ access to view the relay. She added that the department would coordinate with interested groups and the ACLU, and would share route and logistics information as soon as it is finalized.
Commissioners suggested the department provide frequent briefings to the press in the days before the event to limit misinformation. Fong said the department would work to publish information promptly once confirmed and would continue outreach to stakeholders.
