New Mexico
Actor Timothy Busfield allegations raise concerns in New Mexico film industry
Timothy Busfield’s sexual abuse allegations have brought a lot of attention to what happens behind the scenes on TV and film sets.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Timothy Busfield’s sexual abuse allegations have brought a lot of attention to what happens behind the scenes on TV and film sets.
With the growing film industry in New Mexico, a local nonprofit that advocates for background actors of all ages says there are rules that need to be followed, especially when it comes to child actors.
Ruby Garcia is the president of the Background Actors Association of New Mexico. She estimates 30% of background actors are children. To set foot on the set, they need to have a work permit.
She was shocked after finding out about Busfield’s sexual abuse allegations against two children on a set in New Mexico. “It’s disgusting, it’s disappointing, and for a child, it’s it’s traumatic. And I, you know, been doing acting for about eight years. I want to make sure that this doesn’t happen again.”
Garcia says her association works alongside thousands of extras to make sure their working conditions are within protocol.
“If they have any kind of issues with sexual harassment not being, you know, or protocol properly followed, they can submit a report to my organization, and we will take it and we will we’re not attorneys or legal advisors, but we will advocate, and we will contact the, you know, correct departments that we need to follow up with and look into the situation,” says Garcia.
Under child labor laws, children can only work a certain number of hours and have to meet certain safety requirements. Garcia says one of those requirements includes having a parent responsible for the minor on set, unless they’re working with a set or studio teacher.
“The teachers have a background check. They have to be certified in the state of New Mexico with a license, licensing, and teaching certificate, license, whatever they call it. Parents are the ultimate responsibility of that child on set,” says Garcia.
Throughout Busfield’s criminal complaint, the victim’s mom says that they were given an iPad so that parents could watch their children while they were filming. She then claims that they stopped handing them out after a while.
“This upsets me, because something failed. If you see something, say something and don’t be you know, fearful of what what the outcome is, because there are resources to protect people and children,” says Garcia.
To learn more about the Background Actors Association of New Mexico, click here.
SANTA FE, N.M. – Santa Fe County and Edgewood approved a new agreement and ordinance that secures ongoing fire and EMS services for Edgewood residents.
According to a joint announcement from the Town of Edgewood and Santa Fe County on June 19, the two governments negotiated and adopted a new Joint Powers Agreement and ordinance to keep the Santa Fe County Fire Department serving the town.
County and town representatives drafted the agreement together. The town adopted the ordinance unanimously at a special meeting on June 16, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty.
Santa Fe County District 3 Commissioner Camilla Bustamante said, “I believe we are all relieved to know that the people of Edgewood will continue to have the fire and EMS services necessary to protect their homes, their families, and their community. This community deserves nothing less.”
The announcement said the ordinance takes effect five days after final publication. The statement also said no further action or approval is needed to guarantee continued fire suppression, fire prevention, and EMS services for Edgewood residents.
Both governments noted the agreement will continue indefinitely unless either side ends it with five years’ notice.
New Mexico leaders are backing a bipartisan bill after 12 confirmed U.S. screwworm cases, including one case in a Lea County dog.
SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico leaders are backing a bipartisan bill after 12 confirmed U.S. screwworm cases, including one case in a Lea County dog.
New Mexico State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck said the parasite has spread to New Mexico, though officials say they have not found any human cases.
“This is also not a political issue this is a nationwide issue that we all need to address because it affects all warm blooded animals including humans,” Holeck said.
U.S. Reps. Gabe Vasquez and Teresa Leger Fernandez support the Protect America’s Herds Act.
The bill would create a grant program to train people to identify, treat, prevent and report screwworm. It would also support more livestock inspections and education for ranchers.
Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez said she heard concerns from tribal leaders about the cost of protecting cattle herds.
“I spoke with one of our tribal leaders today and they have cattle operation and they’re worried, and they’re talking about how much more money they’re having to pay to go make sure they check on their herds and there are extra costs,” Leger Fernandez said.
Funding would prioritize states and tribal communities most at risk for screwworm outbreaks.
State health officials said screwworm is not a food safety issue. They also said ranchers should stay alert but not alarmed.
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