COSTA MESA : Mom School Patrol May Get Radios

A group of mothers who patrol schoolyards and bus stops may soon have portable radios to help them guard against gangs and ensure swifter response from police.

Larry Weichman, a realtor and member of the local Coalition for Responsible Government, said his group has raised more than $900 to buy three portable radios and a base station.

Under a program started in November, about 20 mothers patrol spots near schools and bus stops at various times throughout the day when children are present.

“We see some improvement,” said Roy Alvarado, a counselor who helped start the patrol group, known as Madres Costa Mesa. “The kids seem to behave themselves better when they see the mothers around.”

Weichman said he received an offer to buy a used set of radios for $800, and he plans to examine them today. He said many people have donated money to help the patrol.

Alvarado said the women should be able to alert police more quickly with the radios.

“They would not be intervening,” Alvarado said. “They would be reporting anything out of the ordinary to the police.”

Besides the danger of gangs, the patrol groups have spotted traffic problems around the schools, including inadequate signs and dangerous drivers.

Anyone wanting to donate money for the radios can call Weichman at (714) 241-4532.