Southland World Cup Party Aftermath Eyed By Local Law Enforcement

Communities across the Southland take their soccer seriously and local law enforcement agencies are stepping up security measures for upcoming games.

Saturday morning, Mexico takes on South Korea in a World Cup match, and in anticipation of any over-the-top revelers pouring into the streets local law enforcement are expected to be out in force.

After Mexico's 1-0 victory over Germany last Sunday afternoon, spontaneous parties were reported in various parts of the Southland, including in Pacoima. Three people were arrested. In Huntington Park, one man was arrested after the game. In East Los Angeles, some drivers burned rubber amidst boisterous crowds on Whittier Boulevard, prompting deputies to closed a section of the roadway.
In Santa Ana, large crowds gathered along a section of Bristol Street between First Street and Edinger Avenue, which was closed to vehicle traffic.

Read: Where To Watch World Cup Games

Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said his department was prepared to close the same section of Bristol Street to vehicle traffic following Saturday's match, if necessary, noting that the location is one where crowds have traditionally gathered in the city on different occasions.

There was no immediate comment from the Los Angeles Police Department or county Sheriff's Department on their preparations for Saturday's match.

The match is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Pacific time Saturday, and will be played at Rostov Arena in Russia.

City News Service, Ashley Ludwig, Patch editor contributed to this report

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