Police closed several blocks of Arguello Street this morning due to a bomb scare.
For over three hours today, police cordoned off several blocks around Temple Emanu-El on Arguello near Lake after a suspicious backpack was spotted on the sidewalk outside the temple. A black backpack was seen sitting next to a white car on the west side of the street (the car parked behind the van in the above picture).
Police closed off several blocks to traffic around the temple, including Arguello Street from California to Washington Street, as well as east/west blocks running up to Cherry Street.
I spoke to one officer who confirmed that the bomb squad had been on the scene and blew up the suspicious backpack. He said “miscellaneous things” were found, but did not provide any more detail.
Residents were also encouraged to evacuate, but not forced to leave their homes. However if residents were not at home, they were not allowed to return.
One resident said he left his home across the street from the temple around 10:30am to walk his dog and was informed by police that he could not go back into his house. Another woman returned with her son during the closure and was told she could not return to her house until they re-opened the streets.
When I left the scene at 12:50pm, police said they would be re-opening the streets shortly. Thanks to RichmondSFBlog reader Rob for the tip.
Sarah B.
The bomb squad robot that blew up the backpack. Photo by Erik Hom, @Route53
The police shelter for the operation at Lake and Arguello. Photo by Erik Hom, @Route53
Anyone know if streets have been reopened?
@Sean – They were preparing to re-open as I was leaving the scene, so should be open by now.
Poor information Sarah B. Senator Dianne feinstein has a property inside the gates. She no longer lives in that house. I hope that informs you.
@Stephen – Thanks for the correction. I had trouble confirming which Senator it was; Pelosi lived in there long ago as well. Strange, there is still 24/7 security at the Presidio Terrace gate, wonder why.
Sarah B.
Hi Sarah,
They have private security at various times
Not a bomb, sounds like. Since when did Arguello Street become the airport? I am curious as to the follow up to this story: who’s bag was it, are they reimbursed for contents, etc. Temple Emanu-El should at least put a sign warning people that any unattended items will be exploded. I won’t think the same about Arguello Street after this, strikes me as a bit paranoid, but maybe I’m naive.
Arguello is busier today than it was 30 years ago, but only because the Temple holds more events than ever before and the street actually has been narrowed to add bike lanes.
There is more security as well just because of the political unrest in the Middle East.
Nancy Pelosi lived in there when she was a Supervisor. Also Joe Alioto lived there once and there was a bomb at his home if I recall.
I live on Lake and 5th and I was wondering what was going on and figured it was a bomb scare. I was so inconvenienced, I had to take a right on 3rd Ave instead of right on Arguello as is my usual routine.. grrrr! j/k