Journal Entry #22 - A Full Cup, and a Full Plate
These past few weeks have felt full to the brim. There’s been a lot of work, a lot in motion - but also meaningful milestones and clear signs of progress. Here are a few highlights:
Groundbreaking!
You may remember Whitney’s story that was spotlighted on the LA Times Rebuild LA Podcast. Last week, we were honored to attend her groundbreaking as her construction team begins bringing her Lewis to life.
To mark the moment, we asked Whitney to reflect on her journey:
What are you most looking forward to in your new home?
To be able to sit on my front porch, to look out and to know that I’m back on my soil - and to walk through my house and see the incredible views of the Foothills that I have missed - and just the joy of being here to see Altadena come to life again. I’m going to have space for my dog (or dogs!) to run - it’s going to be a great place to hang out and welcome friends and family back.
What was one challenge that was unexpected to you and how did you overcome it?
I originally had a different plan and thought I would be able to move ahead with that. And on June 19th I found out from the County that I couldn’t do it because of my narrow lot. I was heartbroken, and my brain shut down - I needed to rest. So when I woke up I thought, I need to find a new plan. I started looking online and remembered the Foothill Catalog. And this is June 19th - the day after the announcement of the first three plans. When I clicked on the Lewis, I let out a scream, and my sister came running in. I pointed at the screen - and said this is the house of my dreams! If I could have had anything it would have been a Craftsman.
It was a crazy 12 hours - and probably the best 12 hours if I think about it now, because it placed me on an entirely new path - and it makes me happy to know that this is exactly what I needed.
Can you share a message to your fellow Altadenans?
Well - find what makes your heart sing. I think the Foothill Catalog has added so many amazing options and possibilities - know that there are people out here who want to help. I know it’s been a while, but don’t give up hope. Ask for help - don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to friends, talk to family, talk to those who are going through the experience - and you’ll find your way back too.
We’re incredibly grateful to Whitney - and to so many others - who have trusted us to walk this path alongside them.
Pre-approved!
It’s been an eventful few weeks on the design side, too. The following designs are officially pre-approved with LA County:
The Figueroa II | 2392 sqft, 3 bd / 3.5 ba
The Monterey II | 2392 sqft, 3 bd / 3.5 ba
The Wagner ADU | 705 sqft, 2 bd / 1 ba + optional attached one or two car garage
La Calanda ADU | 705 sqft, 2 bd / 1 ba + optional attached one or two car garage
This brings our total number of pre-approved plans to nearly 40 in LA County.
We’ve also installed full Catalog displays (what we call “the Wall”) at both the Eaton Fire Collaboratory and the CORE Rebuild Hub.
TFCF Office Hours
We continue to host weekly office hours to support homeowners navigating the rebuild process. Stop by to ask questions or explore design options - no appointment needed.
EFC Collaboratory Hours
Tuesdays 10-1pm
Thursdays 12-3pm
Address: 540 W Woodbury Rd, Altadena, CA 91001
CORE’s Rebuild Hub Hours
Wednesdays 2-4pm
Address: 2333 Lake Ave, Suite 2A, Altadena, CA 91001
*Spanish speaking office hours are available Wednesdays at the Hub.
Pali Hub Hours
Tuesdays 10-2pm (Starting May 5th)
Address: 15239 La Cruz Dr., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
TFCF in the New York Times!
To close, we were honored to be featured in a recent The New York Times article by Sam Lubell, alongside many organizations working to help Altadenans and Palisadians rebuild.
“What people want most right now is confidence,” said Cynthia Sigler. “They don’t want to invent a house. They want to understand what it will cost and how long it will take.”
Our portion of the article highlights the re-emergence of catalog housing - rooted in California’s history - as a modern tool for recovery, combining familiar architectural styles with updated materials and construction approaches.
Read the Full Article: Rebuilding After Fires, L.A. Neighbors Join Forces and Innovate
Our construction signs and yard signs around town! One step closer to home. These weeks have been full - in every sense of the word. And while there’s still a long road ahead, moments like these remind us that progress is happening.
Until Next Time,
The Foothill Catalog
PS - Save the dates!
The Altadena Revealed Lecture Series will be back on May 29th - and we have an amazing line up of speakers over the next several months covering a range of topics from Altadena’s famous authors to scientists.
Details to follow!