COSTA MESA : Mothers to Patrol Bus Stops, Schools

A group of mothers concerned about student safety will begin today to patrol school bus stops and two high schools.

The group, Madres Costa Mesa, will patrol Estancia and Costa Mesa high schools at lunchtime and when buses leave in the afternoon, said organizer Yolanda Garcia.

The women, working in pairs, will also patrol the school bus stop at the intersection of Meyer Place and Bay Street, and bus stops on Pomona and Sterling avenues. They will wear photo-identification badges.

The bus stops will be patrolled from 7 a.m. until the buses pick students up, and again as students return home, said organizer Roy Alvarado. The stops serve students from TeWinkle and Ensign intermediate schools, he said.

Alvarado said the patrols are now once weekly and may expand to include other days. “Right now our focus is on Fridays because the kids are excited and are acting out before the weekend,” he said.

Madres Costa Mesa may be joined in a month or so by a new group called Padres Costa Mesa, Alvarado said. A group of fathers could help young people with job-seeking or athletics, he said. Final plans have not been made.

Estancia High Principal Frank Infusino said he is looking forward to the patrols.

“Obviously, the parent interest is welcomed,” he said. “It can’t help but have a positive impact.”