As part of National Preparedness Month, the City of West Hollywood will host a free community screening of Quake Heroes, a documentary that dramatizes real-life stories of heroism during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The event is aimed at raising awareness about earthquake safety and helping residents take practical steps to prepare for future disasters.
The screening will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. The lobby opens at 10 a.m. for emergency resource tables, and the film will begin at 10:30 a.m. RSVPs are encouraged at QuakeHeroes.eventbrite.com.
Why It Matters to West Hollywood
West Hollywood sits in one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world, with multiple active fault lines nearby. Local seismic threats include:
Hollywood Fault – Just south of the city, this fault runs beneath the heart of Hollywood and poses a serious risk to central Los Angeles communities.
Santa Monica Fault – Located a few miles to the west, this fault cuts through Beverly Hills and could produce a magnitude 7.0 or greater earthquake.
Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone – While farther south, this fault could still impact the Los Angeles Basin, including West Hollywood.
Raymond Fault – Located to the northeast, it has been identified as capable of generating powerful quakes.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a major earthquake in Southern California is not a matter of if, but when. The 1994 Northridge earthquake—a magnitude 6.7 event—caused more than $40 billion in damage and killed 57 people. Many experts believe a similar or even larger event is likely within our lifetime.
Created by the Statewide California Earthquake Center and RomaScope, with support from FEMA and other partners, Quake Heroes blends dramatic Hollywood-style storytelling with the real experiences of survivors and first responders from the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The film is intended to motivate individuals and communities to be ready before disaster strikes.
Event Features
Before and after the screening, attendees can access:
Emergency preparedness resources
Info tables hosted by:
American Red Cross
Statewide California Earthquake Center
Local response organizations
Q&A session with experts following the film
Guests will receive practical tools, planning tips, and opportunities to connect with organizations that can help them build a personal or neighborhood disaster plan.
More to Come: Great California ShakeOut
West Hollywood’s preparedness push continues in October, when the City will participate in the Great California ShakeOut Earthquake Drill on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 10:16 a.m. The drill encourages residents, schools, and businesses to practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”—a simple action that could save lives during a quake.
Event Details at a Glance:
What: Quake Heroes community film screening + earthquake preparedness event
When: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Where: WeHo City Council Chambers, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd
Time: Lobby opens at 10 a.m.; film starts at 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
For more information, contact Andi Lovano at alovano@weho.org or call (323) 848-6549. For California Relay Service, dial 711, 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), or 1-800-735-2922 (voice).
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