Law enforcement ready for criminal activity lured to Arizona by Super Bowl LVII

By CAMERON ARCAND THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square)- The Department of Homeland Security and other authorities are getting prepared in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area for Super Bowl LVII this Sunday.

Convention Center and Margaret T. Hance Park.

While the game will be hosted at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, numerous festivities throughout the valley warrant a large security presence, including the Super Bowl Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center and Margaret T. Hance Park.

“HSI Arizona, the National Intellectual Property Rights Center, and all of our public and HSI Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown said in a statement on Monday.

“Large-scale events like the Super Bowl provide opportunities for criminal organizations to profit from illicit activity – our goal is to educate the public and stop this activity from happening in our communities. We are grateful to our federal partners, but also local law enforcement – including Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and the Phoenix and Glendale Police Departments – for their invaluable support in maintaining public safety,” he added.

The statement added that a major role of Homeland Security Investigations is not only physical security but also monitoring for intellectual property crime. In addition, “Operation Team Player” is a mission focused on cracking down on “counterfeit sports apparel and merchandise.”

Law enforcement, including DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, held a press conference with the National Football League on Tuesday morning in Phoenix.

Mr. Mayorkas said there is no legitimate security threat to the Super Bowl at this time and that they’re working to prevent human trafficking activity as the events convene.

Sports Roundup

Cate boys soccer shuts out Diamond Bar

The Cate boys varsity soccer team faced off against Diamond Bar on Tuesday in a CIF Division 5 wildcard playoff game, ultimately winning by a score of 1-0.

Cate’s lone goal was scored by Charlie Dorion in the 32nd minute, assisted by Jae Lim. While both teams managed to create multiple other scoring opportunities, neither would manage another goal.

“I am very proud of this group of young men,” said Cate Coach Jorge Reynoso. “We chose a good time to play our best team game … This is a great win for our young team. Our starting 11 included five freshmen, three sophomores, two juniors and one senior, and the playoff experience we are gaining with every postseason game we play will be priceless for the future of our program.”

Cate will return to action today on the road at Polytechnic High School.

SY girls basketball dominates Atascadero

The Santa Ynez girls basketball team won big over Atascadero on Tuesday, winning 47-14.

Santa Ynez was led by Kylie LaPointe’s 16 points, four rebounds and four steals. Helga Pecile, Lexi Molera and Desirae Soto each contributed six points, with Pecile adding 13 rebounds and four steals, Moleta recording five rebounds and Soto adding two steals.

SY boys soccer crushes Orcutt

The Santa Ynez High boys soccer team annihilated Orcutt on Tuesday, winning their final home game by a score of 7-0.

The Pirates scored three goals in the first half, coming from Aiden Tapia, Gabriel Beleski and Kevin Margarito. Margarito also got the assist on Beleski’s goal, while Braeden Melville assisted Margarito’s.

The second half saw a goal by Emilio Guerrero, assisted by Ben Edwards. Guerrero also assisted Vince Casey on another goal. Luis Marco Perez-Uribe and Alex Kabayashi scored the final two goals of the game for Santa Ynez. The Pirates will play their final Ocean League game today at Saint Joseph.

Carp girls water polo falls to Buena

The Carpinteria High girls water polo team failed to advance to the second round of the CIF Division 4 playoffs, falling to Buena by a score of 6-3.

“The Warriors did not execute on offense as well as they have been recently,” said Carpinteria Coach Jon Otsuki. “They had plenty of opportunities from the 2 meter position but just could not put the ball into the back of the net. Buena was the quicker team today, both on offense and defense. The Bulldogs beat the Warriors on counterattacks and inside drives. On defense they stole the ball and forced desperation shots.”

Carpinteria’s goals were scored by Kate Isaac, Lilli Nemetz and Giulia Piccoletti. Goalie Erin Otsuki tallied 15 blocks on the day.

Carpinteria’s record fell to 16-7.

- Compiled by Matt Smolensky