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SAN FRANCISCO – An Olympic torch relay staged by rogue torchbearers weaved defiantly through San Francisco’s streets Wednesday, disrupting the ages-old tradition of protests in The City by the Bay. Several protesters scheduled to demonstrate dropped out earlier in the week because of safety concerns surrounding the threat of overzealous torchbearers, and many feared the torch’s presence would dishonor the rich tradition of San Francisco protest rallies. Though the protests went on, the peaceful crowds became a sitting target for the torchbearers. Local officials said they appreciated the diverse points of view but tightened security in response to chaotic torch relays that disrupted protests in London and Paris. Demonstrations in San Francisco date back to the late 1800s and centuries more worldwide, but this year marks the first time protests have been so highly opposed by the Olympic torch.