As Southern California grapples with devastating wind-driven fires, the entertainment industry is stepping up to assist in the recovery efforts. The CAA Foundation, alongside CORE and the Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation, has established the Southern California Firefighters Fund. This initiative aims to raise financial support to aid communities impacted by the wildfires that tore through the region in January 2025. The fund will facilitate both immediate assistance and long-term recovery efforts, managed by the Entertainment Industry Foundation.
Many employees within the industry have suffered personal losses, prompting leadership at CAA and other organizations to contribute initial funding to the Firefighters Fund. This coalition seeks to create equitable recovery strategies and invites additional partners with a shared goal of fostering resilience and sustaining support for vulnerable communities.
Natalie Tran, the executive director of the CAA Foundation, emphasized the immense loss experienced in Los Angeles neighborhoods and the urgent need for a comprehensive recovery plan. She expressed gratitude for their partners’ expertise in developing an effective response to the crisis.
Ang Lee, co-founder and CEO of CORE, highlighted the community spirit of Angelenos during tough times. CORE’s existing network of case managers aims to assist those displaced by the fires and provide long-term support to rebuild their lives. They are focused on empowering marginalized communities and ensuring that their recovery efforts are sustainable.
Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho pointed out that local schools serve as vital resources within communities. He noted that the district is committed to utilizing public-private partnerships to deliver targeted support to families and staff impacted by the fires. The LAUSD Education Foundation will collaborate with neighboring districts to extend aid to affected students and educational personnel throughout the region.