Rebuilding L.A.

THANKSGIVING BONUS: The Foothill Catalog: An Old Idea To Create New Homes For Altadena After The Eaton Fire

Episode Summary

Just before Thanksgiving, Altadena resident Whitney Haggins — who is VERY big on holidays — told us she hopes to break ground on her new home in the new year using a design she chose out of The Foothill Catalog, which has already been pre-approved by Los Angeles County. It’s got a porch and everything — perfect for watching the sun set and chatting with her neighbors, many of whom are also choosing to rebuild. It’s pretty much a win all around and a positive note to wrap up what’s been a pretty horrible year for many in our region. Given her story, we thought we’d re-air our conversation with Alex Athenson, the co-founder of The Foothill Catalog Foundation. We originally ran this interview back in July just after Foothill got its first design — the one Whitney went with — approved by the county. Guests: Whitney Haggins, Altadena Resident Alex Athenson, president and co-founder, The Foothill Catalog Foundation. Links: The Foothill Catalog Foundation Website: https://www.foothillcatalog.org/ The Lewis: https://www.foothillcatalog.org/the-lewis The Altadena Christmas Tree Lane tree lighting on Dec 6: https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-09-10/eaton-fire-displaced-christmas-tree-lane-volunteers-altadena-holiday-event#:~:text=again%20this%20year.-,California,that%20destroyed%20many%20other%20structures.

Episode Notes

Just before Thanksgiving, Altadena resident Whitney Haggins — who is VERY big on holidays — told us she hopes to break ground on her new home in the new year using a design she chose out of The Foothill Catalog, which has already been pre-approved by Los Angeles County. It’s got a porch and everything — perfect for watching the sun set and chatting with her neighbors, many of whom are also choosing to rebuild. It’s pretty much a win all around and a positive note to wrap up what’s been a pretty horrible year for many in our region.Given her story, we thought we’d re-air our conversation with Alex Athenson, the co-founder of The Foothill Catalog Foundation. We originally ran this interview back in July just after Foothill got its first design — the one Whitney went with — approved by the county.

Guests:
Whitney Haggins, Altadena Resident
Alex Athenson, president and co-founder, The Foothill Catalog Foundation.

Links:The Foothill Catalog Foundation Website: https://www.foothillcatalog.org/
The Lewis: https://www.foothillcatalog.org/the-lewis
The Altadena Christmas Tree Lane tree lighting on Dec 6: https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-09-10/eaton-fire-displaced-christmas-tree-lane-volunteers-altadena-holiday-event#:~:text=again%20this%20year.-,California,that%20destroyed%20many%20other%20structures.