The Buzz column, Sept. 14

Newly hired Capistrano Unified School District Interim Superintendent Woodrow Carter held a press conference on Sept. 7, promising transparency and openness. He also stated he’s interested in the job as permanent superintendent. At the Sept. 14 school board meeting, he mentioned he’s the fifth person to lead the district in 14 months. A public reception for Carter will be held Mon., Sept. 17, 3:30-5:30 p.m., at the administration building, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano.

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According to information released by the Capistrano Dispatch, Carter’s contract as interim boss is for 18 months, followed by month-to-month extensions if needed. He’ll receive $20,416.67 per month, plus an $850 monthly car allowance, an annual stipend of $11,000 in lieu of health benefits and a $5,000 moving allowance. He will reside in Dana Point.

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Santa Margarita Water District says a reservoir is needed in South County in case of an emergency disruption of the water supply. Buzz readers reported six months ago receiving phone calls from a pollster asking how the district should contain rates, and building a reservoir was one of the choices in a push-poll. Perhaps the announcement about the reservoir and the poll are unrelated. The proposed reservoir would cost $38 million and become operational in spring of 2010. The location would be in open space between Coto de Caza and Rancho Santa Margarita.

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The city of San Juan Capistrano is continuing to protest widening of Ortega Highway, saying the project shouldn’t move forward without more study. The city is asking for a full environmental impact report despite Caltrans’ wishes to proceed without further delay. Public comments regarding the project closed on Sept. 8. Caltrans will respond to all comments, and it expects to file a final report by the end of this year. Nearly all those predicting the outcome believe Caltrans will proceed with the widening project despite objections from HOAs and property owners along Ortega.

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Reader response about the city’s lack of emergency preparedness: “If your family doesn’t have supplies on hand and a specific plan of what every family member will do, then you’d better hope there’s never an emergency. If the city had a plan, residents would already know what it is. Has anyone received information about how residential developments, homeowners associations or gated communities are supposed to take care of their neighborhoods? Does each street have a designated leader or contact to provide help and information? If the city is waiting until an emergency to tell us about the plan, residents need to be prepared on their own.”

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September is National Preparedness Month. A Website sponsored by Homeland Security can be found at http://www.ready.gov/america/npm07/index.html. They offer free brochures, but one can create a checklist from common sense. Keep three gallons of water and canned food for three days for each person. Get a flashlight with extra batteries, First Aid supplies and a fire extinguisher. Other essentials include a radio, can opener, pet supplies, clothing for three days, a blanket, poncho, gloves, tools and a waterproof container with matches. Establish a meeting place for family members and an out-of-town contact to call if family members can’t reach each other. That’s not everything, but it’s a good start.