Altadena Strong: The Story Behind Sidecca's Resilience Mural
Adriana Molina, the owner of Sidecca, a women's clothing shop in Altadena, commissioned a new outdoor mural for her store by artist Annie Bolding. The mural, featuring the word "ALTADENA" in big white letters against a blue background, showcases various elements of the community, including the San Gabriel Mountains, California poppies, and Altadena's Christmas Tree Lane. The mural serves as a symbol of hope and resilience for Molina and Bolding, who were both personally affected by the Eaton fire that ravaged the community in January 2025.
Following the fire, Sidecca and a few other businesses in Mariposa Junction survived, while others were destroyed. Molina continued to operate through pop-ups and online sales, reopening Sidecca in November as part of the community's recovery efforts. However, the store faced additional challenges when it was damaged by flooding in December. Despite these setbacks, Bolding began working on the mural as a tribute to Altadena's strength and unity. The mural, completed in eight days, has become a source of joy and inspiration for the community.
Molina and Bolding's collaboration on the mural is a testament to their shared commitment to giving back to the community. Molina, with over 30 years of experience in the fashion industry, opened Sidecca in Altadena in 2023, offering a range of vintage-inspired clothing and accessories. Bolding, known for her vibrant murals and creative designs, was drawn to Molina's colorful store and eventually connected with her to create the mural. The mural project was born out of a desire to bring joy and positivity to Altadena in the aftermath of the fire.
The mural's imagery, including a rainbow road leading to the mountains and a welcoming message to Altadena residents, reflects the community's resilience and spirit. Despite facing challenges like the fire and flooding, Molina and Bolding remain determined to rebuild and reopen Sidecca. The mural serves as a beacon of hope and a symbol of the community's strength, reminding residents of the beauty and unity that define Altadena.
In conclusion, the outdoor mural commissioned by Adriana Molina for Sidecca in Altadena, created by artist Annie Bolding, stands as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The mural, featuring iconic elements of the community and a message of welcome and love, serves as a tribute to Altadena's strength and unity. Through their collaboration on the mural, Molina and Bolding have demonstrated their commitment to uplifting the community and spreading joy through art.