I think this is something the writer bought to feel like she's prepared, rather than actually investing time to learn how to use skills and equipment to save her @%% in an actual emergency.
Even 10-20 hours invested in reading proper material would educate her enough to know that's not everything she may need, and a lot of the provided equipment appears substandard to say the least. It's better than nothing, maybe. She should start off by purchasing at least a decent urban survival book. Lofty Wisemans' books are a good starting place. After digesting that, maybe she should go visit a real camping store, she mentions REI. Start with a pack and basics. When done, craig's list the kit she bought before she knew better. Most importantly, buy two or more of the most critical disposable items and practice. As she's in california, one last thing to mention. Tie a gas shutoff wrench to the pack with paracord and tape in place with electrical tape. There's a couple of combination tools out there that claim to do both gas and water valves. turn them both off on the way out..or as soon as you return.

Last tip: Acquire a 3-4' section of garden hose with a female end. also acquire a 4 way silcock wrench. Hot water heaters are normally full of water, and they have a shut off valve at the top...and a drain at the bottom, sometimes without a handle. why pack a lot of water when you can probably scavenge clean water after a quake. You can release the vacuum by opening up the T&P valve at the top.