Damaged Chatsworth Park Elementary Building Cleared for Occupancy

The Chatsworth Park Elementary School building that was damaged when a massive eucalyptus tree fell on it during heavy winds two weeks ago has been cleared for occupancy.

“A LAUSD structural engineer has been at the site and reviewed the situation,” according to a school district statement provided to Chatsworth Patch. “At this point the building with the exception of Room 7 has been approved/cleared for occupancy." The statement went on to say there was a cracked transit vent line that still needed to be removed, but that it did not affect the clearance. Clearance was issued on Nov. 7.

The tree, which required a crane to remove, caused extensive damage to a roof-mounted air-conditioning unit, according to school district officials. A district spokesman said damaged areas of the roof will be removed this week to determine what else needed to be repaired.

Esther Leon, principal of , has denied repeated requests from Chatsworth Patch to view the damage. She said she would make photos of the area available, but it wasn't clear when.

There were no reported injuries from the tree toppling onto the school, which occurred Nov. 2.

Chatsworth Park Elementary, at 22005 Devonshire St., has served the area for more than 100 years, well before Chatsworth was incorporated into the city of Los Angeles.  Longtime resident Dan Huffman told Chatsworth Patch that due to the proximity of his home to the school, he finds himself acting as first responder and watchman of the school whenever something unusual occurs.

“Its interests and the interests of the children's safety on Devonshire Street is part of my normal daily life,” he said in an email.