The Altadena Rebuild

Episode 12 - Soil

This week, Austin is joined by Joe Nagy and Stewart Campbell of the Altadena Community Garden. The guys explain how the Garden is starting an innovative new process called mycoremediation and how they hope this approach will allow them to reopen in early 2026. Then, we discuss how homeowners can learn from what's happening at the Garden and bring it to their land -- even before starting construction. Please support them by visiting AltadenaCommunityGarden.com

Episode 11 - Stuff

Today's show is about our connection to our possessions and how they've changed since the wildfire. Our guest is Anna Johnson, local therapist and Eaton Fire victim. Anna helps us explore the relationship between physical objects and the senses, memory, identity, and much more. If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health in the wake of the fires, please check out this Google Sheet with the contact information of licensed professionals in the area, many of which offer pro bono services for victims - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18ZaBCmuC0vVZ6OjLCHfZeOJ_8B-exIF7QyP8WjbcOGE/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 10 - Parks & Rec

Today, we speak to the real life Leslie Knope. Norma Edith Garcia-Gonzalez is the Director of the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation and she delivered Altadena with it's first true rebuild after the Eaton Fire - Loma Alta Park 2.0. Norma discusses how the Parks Department sprung into action in the wake of the fire, how Loma Alta came together so quickly, and what's next for our parks.

Episode 9 - The Foothill Catalog

In today's episode, Austin interviews Cynthia Sigler, co-founder of The Foothill Catalog. The Foothill Catalog's mission is to "produce a Catalog of affordable, pre-approved home designs that reflect the character & spirit of [Altadena]." Cynthia goes in detail on that mission and explains where things currently stand with their project - the amount of concepts they have, their partnerships with general contractors, and when LA County will give their designs pre-approved status. Learn more about the Foothill Catalog at www.foothillcatalog.org.

Episode 8 - Disaster. Insurance.

Homeowners Insurance. We all knew we had it, but few of us knew exactly what was inside that policy. Since the Eaton Fire, many have struggled with their insurance company's lack of communication, continued delays, and overall partnership. When these companies get really egregious, attorneys like Renee Callantine from the Cornerstone Law Group step in. In this week's episode, Austin and Renee discuss how to get the most out of your policy, what the future of homeowners insurance in California looks like, and much, much more!