San Francisco’s Dolores Park Hill bombing moves to Church Street after police block original location for skaters

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — On Saturday night, skaters skated at high speed down Church Street in San Francisco, next to Dolores Park.

They call it a “hill bomb” and it happens every year, but the SFPD has tried to prevent it.

They set up barricades on several blocks of Dolores Street, but the skaters simply went onto another street.

“I don’t think the police care about this as much as they care about Dolores,” said Amire Lofton, who was participating. “Four skaters, they all said Church Street and everybody just came here.”

RELATED: ‘They Could Be Arrested’: SFPD Warns Skaters Planning to Attend Dolores Park Hill Bombing

The police were at the hill bomb, but did not intervene. They even closed the street for the skaters.

Last year, the SFPD tried to stop the bomb on the hill and it led to a confrontation between them and the skaters. Over 100 people were arrested for throwing things at the police and vandalizing a MUNI train.

Police Chief Bill Scott said this week that he will not tolerate violence of any kind.

Many skaters feel the city should have worked with them to keep the event going while keeping it safe.

“The city was not without fair warning about this event,” said Aaron Breetwor, a skateboarding advocate in San Francisco. “I reached out to them a year ago to try to discuss how we could make this safer, even in the absence of an official organizer, and they have not planned anything other than this.”

RELATED: What Will Happen in This Year’s Dolores Park Hill Bombing? SFPD Urges No Going

Breetwor claims that skateboarding is listed in the city’s transportation code as a non-motorized vehicle that is propelled by the user. He plans to continue talking to the city.

However, residents living near the park were happy to see the police.

“It’s about public safety. It’s not about kids not having fun,” said Chuck Louden, who lives near the park. “It’s nice to see them here today. We can work together to find a space that works for everyone, but it’s about safety.”

We have contacted the SFPD and asked why they did not intervene during the bombing on the hill, we are still waiting for a response.