COSTA MESA : Anti-Gang Group Gets Two-Way Radios
Mothers Costa Mesa, a group determined to stop gang activity in the city, has received four two-way radios--compliments of Coalition for a Responsible Government.
The radios, which can be attached to belt buckles, operate with little interference and can reach Costa Mesa police in a matter of seconds, said Larry Weichman, a member of the coalition.
The group of about 20 mothers patrols schoolyards and bus stops during different times of the day.
“Some of the mothers have problems with gangs in the afternoons when some of the children get off the school buses,” Weichman said. “These radios could help stop gang members from recruiting because the mothers will now have a direct line to police.”
Russell Gilbert, president of a manufacturing company in Costa Mesa and a director of the coalition, worked with several businesses to raise money to purchase the radios.
Together, the four radios cost $1,200, and they were presented recently to Roy Alvarado, a gang counselor who works with the Newport-Mesa Unified School District to reduce gang membership.
The Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Mesa Pride, Kiwanis of North Costa Mesa, Real Estaters, Bear Communications, Fleet Call and the Newport Mesa Assn. of Realtors played a part in purchasing the radios.
The coalition meets once a month, usually on Wednesdays. The purpose is to promote and enhance the quality of life in Costa Mesa.
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