S.F. bolsters Olympic torch security

SAN FRANCISCO, April 8 (UPI) -- San Francisco's mayor said security plans for Wednesday's Olympic torch relay were being updated following tense protests in Europe.

Activists accosted runners in London during the weekend and in Paris Monday, and more trouble is expected when the flame makes its sole North American appearance in San Francisco.

The flame has become a target of supporters of Tibet following Beijing's crackdown on Tibetan separatists.

"I have great expectations that it is going to be a successful event, but I am not naive to the realities of hosting an event where people are very intense on both sides," Mayor Gavin Newsom told the San Francisco Chronicle.

The mayor met with China's ambassador to the United States Monday night to discuss security. No details of the conversations were released. However, the Chronicle said the 6-mile route has already been simplified and plenty of law enforcement will be on hand to prevent disruptions.