The torch will be carried through the West coast city during the flame's only U.S. stop, but several hundred activists had already marched through its streets on the eve of the procession, many carrying Tibetan flags and signs and chanting "Shame on China".
City authorities fear a repeat of demonstrations - fuelled by anger about China's policies in Tibet and a crackdown in the Himalayan region after deadly rioting last month - that marred the London and Paris legs of the relay.
But Rogge told the Wall Street Journal that reports the International Olympic Committee executive board would consider scrapping the torch relay outside China, to avoid more ugly scenes, were "based on a misunderstanding".
"I am saddened that such a beautiful symbol of the torch, which unites people of different religions, different ethnic origin, different political systems, cultures and languages, has been attacked," Rogge said of the disruptions.
The troubled procession has kept Tibet in the international headlines, and become a magnet for other groups unhappy about a range of China-related issues, from its involvement in Sudan's Darfur region to its treatment of animal rights.
Beijing fiercely condemned the protests and they have stirred up patriotic resentment among many ordinary Chinese who feel they politicise a sporting event that should be a celebration of 30 years of economic development and opening to the outside world.
Western leaders are facing a delicate balancing act as calls mount for them to boycott of the opening ceremony, though there have been no serious suggestions athletes should skip the Games themselves.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said in a speech to Chinese students that it was important to recognise that there were "significant human rights problems" in Tibet, although he did not back calls for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics.
"I believe the Olympics are important for China's continuing engagement with the world," Rudd said, according to a transcript of the speech made on Wednesday.
