Los Angeles Virtual Town Hall Informs Local Members of Resources Available to Entertainment Community

In the aftermath of the wildfires in the Southern California region, the union continues its efforts to support and connect affected members with resources and aid.

In addition to its mental health forum, You Are Not Alone: A Mental Health Panel, led by the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Healthcare Safety Net Committee’s Mental Health Subcommittee, the L.A. Local hosted a disaster relief town hall on Jan. 23, 2025.

The virtual event was led by SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Los Angeles & L.A. Local President Jodi Long and Local Second Vice President David Jolliffe. National and L.A. Local Board member Sean Astin made an appearance alongside members of the Los Angeles Fire Department Air Operations Unit.

In attendance were state and federal officials, as well as representatives from the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Entertainment Community Fund, and Motion Picture & Television Fund:

• U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff
• U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman
• California Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur
• SAG-AFTRA Foundation Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director Charlotte Wells
• Entertainment Community Fund Director, Social Services Tina Hookom
• Motion Picture & Television Fund Director of Community Services Jennifer Jorge
• FEMA Public Affairs Officer, Region IX Brandi Richard-Thompson 
• U.S. Small Business Association Public Information Officer, Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience Garth D. MacDonald
• California Department of Insurance Deputy Commissioner, Consumer Services and Market Conduct Anthony “Tony” Cignarale

Due to a scheduling conflict, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland also welcomed members in a pre-recorded message.

Each speaker led a brief presentation that addressed members’ immediate concerns regarding emergency housing, funding and assistance, as well as continued safety precautions. Sherman, Richard-Thompson and MacDonald highlighted the importance of registering to receive federal aid with FEMA prior to its March 10 deadline as well as with the SBA. Members were also encouraged to contact their representatives with questions and concerns specific to their local communities, and to vocalize their support for legislation being introduced to curtail issues such as price gouging for renters.

Wells, Hookom and Jorge also informed members of resources available specifically to SAG-AFTRA members and other industry workers. They each advised those in need to submit their information for assistance in a timely manner.

On Jan. 11, 2025, SAG-AFTRA gave a $1 million donation to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation to assist members experiencing hardship caused by the Los Angeles fires.

“Cases are being reviewed very quickly and [the SAG-AFTRA Foundation is] bringing on new social workers to help us get through this crisis. We want to get these funds into the hands of our members as swiftly as possible,” said Wells. “Our immediate goal is to help as many as we can … so that they can begin rebuilding and getting the long-term housing they need.”

Following each presentation was a Q&A session. Speakers answered members’ direct inquiries and shared their support for the Los Angeles creative community.

“I’ve seen just how incredibly resilient people are, which has been inspiring,” said Schiff. “It is my highest priority to make sure that people get the help they need right now in the [short] term and ensure that they are fed and looked after, and that we pursue cleanup and rebuilding with a real sense of urgency.

“We want these neighborhoods to come back and we want them to have the same neighbors.”

For more information or assistance, contact the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local at la@sagaftra.org. If you have been impacted or are interested in providing assistance, we encourage you to view our Los Angeles County Wildfires Resources page to help you or a friend find what might be needed during this challenging time. 

The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA's endorsement.