Capistrano Trustees May Formally Oppose Airport

Saying they are concerned about safety, noise and pollution, trustees of Capistrano Unified School District today will consider a resolution opposing the development of a commercial passenger and cargo airport at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.

Board members said they will probably express support for alternative reuse plans that would be less likely to have a negative effect on the learning and health of the district’s 38,000 students, especially the estimated 6,300 who attend schools in one of the proposed airport’s general flight paths.

At its May 19 meeting, the seven-member panel unanimously expressed opposition to the airport proposal after reviewing a community reuse plan and preliminary environmental impact report prepared and approved by the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

Trustee Crystal Kochendorfer, who brought the El Toro reuse issue to the board’s attention, said she felt the need to take a stand against the reuse plan because there are too many unanswered questions.

In other action tonight, the board is to discuss the district’s tentative 1997-98 budget, projected at more than $180 million, up $7 million from the current year. The final budget is to be adopted June 23.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at Aliso Niguel High School, 28000 Terrace View Drive.

Information: (714) 489-7000.