The Olympic torch route, when it is finalized on April 9, will be filled with Olympic cheerers and China-hating protesters during its only North America run in San Francisco. In addition to the "free speech zones" created for large groups of protesters--think the pro-war contingent or homophobic sects that are allowed to safely voice their disdain at anti-war rallies and at the Pride parade, respectively--those looking to chide China for its ill treatment of Tibet and human beings can protest the Beijing Olympic flame anywhere during its run. Gavin Newsom spokesperson Joe Arellano tells the Chronicle that "'the public is welcome to line the sidewalks along the torch relay route and to attend the opening and closing ceremonies,'" which includes protesters.

This run will be garner SF some choice national headlines. We can hardly wait.

Also, a member of Students for a Free Tibet, Thup Ten, met with the fuzz to chat about the flame's details. And in typical twee student fashion, Ten exaggerates the situation at hand, Newsom's national allegiance.

It was good to meet with the police, because at least we know each other's face...[b]ut I myself left the meeting worried because even the police do not know what the route is going to be, and it looks like Mayor Newsom is completely on the Chinese government's side.