SF Police Control Post-Game Mayhem; Six Arrested

While there were a few incidents of violence and vandalism following the San Francisco Giants World Series victory, there were only six arrests in the city, Mayor Gavin Newsom said Tuesday.

Appearing on KTVU’s Mornings On 2, Newsom said preliminary police reports showed that the vast majority of Giants fans peaceably celebrated the team’s clinching victory Monday night.

“Last night I went through the Civic Center … It was crazy and intense. It was a spirited wonderful night and you rarely get those,” he said of the celebration. “It’s exciting and extraordinary and tomorrow will be the parade to end all parades.”

Newsom was quick to praise the police department for it efforts keeping the mayhem under control.

“We had about six arrests,” he said. “I’m going to get an update this morning, but late last night we had about six arrests. We had some incidents – there are always some bad apples. The vast majority of the people played by the rules and I want to congratulate my police department for an outstanding job.”

Around 10 p.m., a crowd that had taken over the intersection of 3rd and King streets had started multiple fires, but those were extinguished soon afterward.

An hour later, at the intersection of Mission and 22nd streets that had been taken over by dozens of fans, a large fire had been started. Later, a car attempted to drive through the crowd was stopped, and the vehicle and its passengers were attacked.

Elsewhere, as the final out of the 3-1 win was recorded, the thousands watching on a big-screen TV at San Francisco's Civic Center plaza leapt for joy as City Hall glowed bright orange in the background.

"I have a permanent smile on my face," said Valerie Nicklas of Berkeley, who partied at another large street gathering near the Giants' AT&T Park. "This makes all the years of suffering worth it."

Fans waving Giants flags and rally towels danced in the downtown streets near the Civic Center as car horns blared. A lone accordion player played a tune as fans swirled around him. Others surrounded a drum corps as it pounded out a rhythm.

Amy Anderson Giugliano shot a bottle of champagne into the air, dousing those nearby.

"I never thought this would happen!" the 42-year-old from San Carlos said. "I'm going to celebrate all night!"

The club last won the Series in 1954 when they were the New York Giants. They moved west four years later, but suffered World Series losses in 1962, 1989 and 2002.

That last defeat to the Los Angeles Angels has been fresh in Jun Lee's mind, but he still chose to drive in from Benicia with his wife so that their 16-month-old son could witness the celebration from his stroller.

"We came out here in 2002 for the same thing, and with six outs left they blew it," he said. "This is unreal."

Almost an hour after the win, fans were jumping up and down in unison and screaming "ooooh-REE-BAY" -- a popular chant at games to honor third baseman Juan Uribe.

Traffic was slowed in the city's Castro district as people flooded out of bars, restaurants and homes. The neighboring Mission district was also jammed.

Fans also blocked traffic near the Giants' ballpark as they made their way toward Willie Mays Plaza, where a statue of the legendary outfielder stands prominently outside the stadium's gates.

"This is a long time coming," said Jason Scully of San Francisco. "They're a great team -- all the castoffs and misfits truly represent this city."