The State - News from Aug. 17, 1988

Nine people serving free meals to the homeless in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park were arrested. “They’re in violation of the Health Code, the Park Code and the Penal Code,” Police Lt. Rich Holder explained. “We bent over backward to explain the city and state ordinances regarding the issue.” Volunteers from Food Not Bombs began distributing the food in the spring. Police contend that the handouts draw drug and alcohol abusers and that more than a dozen homeowners and businesses have complained. Police proposed that the group dispense food at nearby Hamilton Methodist Church, which serves free meals of its own twice a week and has the required sanitary facilities, but the church and the volunteer group rejected the idea.