Journal Entry #14 - TEDxAltadena, Pre-approval Updates, TFCF in the Pacific Palisades

It’s a rainy day in Los Angeles, and we are fully embracing the change in seasons. The “-ber” months always seem to fly by faster than the rest, and we can’t believe that the end of the year is just around the corner. It always feels like we are moving a million miles a minute - so here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to - and a look ahead at what’s coming later this month.

TEDxAltadena: The Return of the Catalog Home

In late October, TFCF Executive Director Alex gave a TED Talk at TEDxAltadena titled “Rebuilding the American Dream: The Return of the Catalog Home.”

His talk explores how catalog homes can help communities recover after disaster in a world where 1 in 70 Americans are displaced by natural disasters each year. It also highlights how the Foothill Catalog model reimagines this century-old idea for a more resilient future. A big thank-you to the TEDxAltadena team for hosting such an inspiring day filled with stories of resilience, community, and innovation.

A Full Pre-approval Update

The following designs are officially pre-approved with LA County:

1. The Lewis 

2. The Lewis II  

3. The Palm 

4. La Mariposa I

5. La Mariposa II

6. La Mariposa III 

7. The Elderflower  

8. The Montana 

9. The Delaware

10. The Elizabeth 

11. The Gregory

12. La Solana 

13. The Daisy 

14. The Lily

15. The Dahlia 

16. Detached Garages & Carports (20x19 and 24x24 footprints available)

Next anticipated pre-approvals:

1. The Lexington

2. The Carmelina

3. The Maybrook

4. The Cromwell

5. The Glen (3 bed, 2 bath, 1180 sqft - catalog page coming soon!)

Approved by LA County Planning, Building & Safety documentation underway:

1. The Marlowe

2. The Billy

3. The Alice

Yard Signs - FC Homes Out & About

Many of our homeowners are now entering the pre-construction phase - which is exciting!

We’ve received several requests for yard signs - a hopeful symbol of what’s to come - and we’re happy to share that each home will now receive a sign featuring its selected design.

We love seeing your photos and messages - here are a few highlights from the field:

Upcoming Events

To our Palisades Friends -

As the City of Los Angeles Pre-approval Program continues to take shape, we’re partnering with local organizations in the Palisades to begin developing a new Catalog framework for the coastal region. Join us at these upcoming events to learn more about our process, meet our team, and preview new designs created for the community:

• New California Classics Palisades Townhall | Thursday, November 20th | 6pm-8pm | The Bel-Air Bay Club

  Join Save Iconic Architecture, The Design Leadership Network, and The Foothill Catalog Foundation for a Rebuild Townhall introducing SIA’s New California Classics—a field guide for rebuilding character homes. TFCF will showcase concept designs developed by local architects and designers for the Palisades community.

• TFCF X Habitat LA Housing Design Showcase | Friday, November 21st | 5pm-7pm | Palisades Recovery Coalition

  Join the Foothill Catalog Foundation and Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles for an open house to learn more about Habitat LA’s Rebuild Assistance Program, featuring TFCF’s designs.

• WestEdge Design Fair | Saturday, November 22nd | 10am-6pm | The Barker Hangar Santa Monica

  We’re excited to participate in this year’s WestEdge Design Fair! Visit our booth on Saturday to learn more about our process and explore our latest designs.

Altadena Happenings!

• Neighbors of Altadena Support Coalition | Sunday, November 16th | 12pm-3pm | St. Bede’s Parish Center

  Community support, resources, and refreshments! Our team will be there as well to answer any questions.

• Eaton Canyon Fire Relief - HoliDena | Sunday, November 16th | 12pm-3pm | Pasadena Elks Lodge

  Local families spreading tidings of comfort, joy, and hope. Enjoy an afternoon of replenishing Christmas & Hanukkah decorations, ornament-making, arts & crafts, music, baked goods and gifts from Santa.

• Altadena Revealed Lecture Series - Christmas Tree Lane: From the Plantings to the 50s | Friday, November 21st | 7pm-9pm | Altadena Main Library

  This month’s lecture explores one of Altadena’s most cherished landmarks — Christmas Tree Lane. Mary Landau - Historian Director of the Christmas Tree Lane Association will trace the Lane’s remarkable history, beginning with the original planting of the deodar trees along Santa Rosa Avenue in the early 20th century. Through historic photos and local stories, this talk will illuminate not only the evolution of Christmas Tree Lane but also the enduring power of community stewardship that keeps it shining today.

We hope to see many of you at a future event soon. And to end, here’s a rainbow captured over the San Gabriels, looking north on Fair Oaks Avenue - with our first SGV Habitat build coming along in the frame!

Until Next Time,

The Foothill Catalog