Rosemead : School Closes Auditorium

Rosemead High School has closed its auditorium because officials fear that asbestos shaken loose from the ceiling by the Oct. 1 earthquake might be hazardous to students.

Principal John Rushing said the auditorium was inspected and deemed safe after the earthquake, but staff members were afraid that students might breathe loose asbestos blown through the air by heating or air conditioning.

Rushing said the El Monte Union High School District has tried for years to get state or federal money to help pay the cost of removing the asbestos, estimated at between $180,000 and $450,000. He said the district is seeking earthquake relief funds.

Students will be kept out of the 968-seat auditorium until the asbestos is removed, Rushing said. Activities will be held in the gymnasium or cafeteria, or canceled if other facilities cannot be found.