Vegas shooting sparks security concerns for busy San Francisco weekend

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival kicks off this weekend at Golden Gate Park and is expected to draw upwards of 250,000 people each day.

The three-day outdoor event has sparked security concerns in the wake of the deadly Las Vegas massacre which left 59 people dead.

"Since the Las Vegas shooting we have definitely put other measures, our department as a whole, has done a lot of increased patrols," explained Capt. Alexa O'Brien of Richmond Station.

Because there is no natural perimeter for Hellman Hollow, Lindley or Marx Meadows, where the stages will be set up, there will be no security checkpoints.

"Although we don't have checkpoints for bags, we are going to, you know, if there is a bag that's unattended we're obviously going to make sure that people are safe," said Capt. O'Brien.

"I did have some really negative thoughts that you know the world is imploding you know," said Lori Danielson of Florida, who was visiting San Francisco this weekend with Ken Albino said they won't let what happened in Las Vegas dictate their lives.

"I don't want to put my life on hold and do anything differently," said Albino. "Whether I'm home, out in the neighborhood...at big public events, just have an awareness of what's around you. Where are exits, where's security? Where's not security? It's like walking down a lit street, as opposed to a dark street."

SF police say the security catch phrase this weekend is "See something, say something." They are asking people to notify officers if they spot anything suspicious or out of the ordinary.

No hard alcohol or glass will be allowed in the venue although concert goers can bring their own beer and wine. Cameras are also ok, but no tripods or large equipment will be permitted. Traffic will be heavy so mass transit is encouraged. If you're catching a ride-share, Balboa and 30th is the pick-up/ drop-off area.