Altadena Mural Brings Hope & Healing to Fire-Ravaged Community & Local Shop

A burst of color now graces the side of Sidecca, a retro-style women’s clothing boutique in Altadena, California. More than just a vibrant addition to Lake Avenue, the new mural—commissioned by shop owner Adriana Molina and brought to life by artist Annie Bolding—stands as a powerful symbol of resilience for a community still rebuilding after a series of devastating events. The artwork isn’t simply decoration; it’s a visual testament to Altadena’s spirit, born from the ashes of fire and flood.

The mural’s creation was directly spurred by hardship. In January 2025, the Eaton fire swept through Altadena, narrowly missing Sidecca but leveling businesses nearby and, heartbreakingly, the homes of both Bolding’s parents and a close relative of Molina’s. Molina, who had opened the Altadena location in 2023 after years in Pasadena—where Sidecca was voted Pasadena’s best women’s clothing store five times by Pasadena Weekly—managed to keep the business afloat through pop-up shops and online sales while the area recovered. She officially reopened in November, only to face another blow with damaging floods in late December. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, it was during this period of renewed challenge that Bolding began work on the mural.

A Community’s Story in Paint

The mural itself is a love letter to Altadena, meticulously capturing local landmarks and a sense of place. Dominating the upper portion of the artwork are the San Gabriel Mountains, rendered in deep browns, alongside California poppies and recognizable street signs for Mariposa Street and Lake Avenue. Below, a vibrant scene unfolds: green grass, a monarch butterfly, and a nod to Altadena’s famed Christmas Tree Lane. A bright blue house sits on a multicolored path, and a hiking trail leads to a sign declaring, “Welcome Home Altadena… With Love, Sidecca.” The word “ALTADENA” itself is emblazoned across the top in bold white letters against a backdrop of layered blues.

Bolding, who operates under the name Disco Day Designs on Instagram (@itsadiscoday), is known for her bright and joyful murals. She gained attention for a creatively painted trash can—adorned with palm trees and stripes—that she entered into a contest at the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, organized by sustainability partner Global Inheritance. Molina discovered Bolding’s work through a mutual connection and immediately envisioned a collaboration. “I fixated on the trash can,” Molina told the Los Angeles Times. “I looked at Annie’s murals and was like, ‘Oh, she has to do something in here for us.’ ”

The project evolved from an idea for an in-store mural to a public-facing artwork as a direct response to the community’s needs. Molina initially considered a mural inside the store, perhaps featuring “Sidecca” as an acronym representing style, individuality, diversity, expression, community, culture, and art. However, the fire and subsequent flooding shifted the focus outward, toward a message of hope and healing for the entire town. Bolding began painting on the one-year anniversary of the fire, completing the work eight days later.

More Than Just a Business: Sidecca’s Role in Altadena

Sidecca, with its vintage-inspired clothing and accessories—from 1950s-style dresses to tote bags and sunglasses—has become a beloved fixture in Altadena. Molina, a veteran of the fashion industry with over three decades of experience, intentionally cultivates a welcoming and joyful atmosphere. The store’s vibrant interior, complete with a rainbow stretching across one wall, reflects this ethos. The mural, feels like a natural extension of Sidecca’s brand and its commitment to the community.

The mural’s creation wasn’t without its challenges. Bolding described the cold and windy conditions on the first day of painting, and the emotional weight of revisiting the site of so much loss. However, the positive response from the community—honking cars and encouraging words—fueled her through the process. She recalled driving to the site of her parents’ former home after a day of painting, overwhelmed by the memories. “That night, I drove up to the lot where my parents’ place was, and I stood there and all the feelings flooded back,” Bolding shared with the Los Angeles Times.

Molina’s commitment to Altadena extends beyond her business. She donated three designs to Bolding’s work, including a lively retro daisy pattern that was featured on tote bags given to customers at the store’s November reopening. Even as she navigates ongoing repairs from the December flooding, Molina remains steadfast in her dedication to the town and her customers. She’s currently selling merchandise online and staging pop-up events while preparing to fully reopen the brick-and-mortar location this spring.

A Symbol of Resilience and Rebirth

The mural has quickly become a focal point for the community, a visual reminder of Altadena’s strength and determination. It’s a place where residents can gather, reflect, and uncover hope. For Molina, the mural solidified her decision to rebuild and reopen Sidecca. “I’m here to stay, and this mural solidified my decision to reopen my business,” she said. “I grew up in Altadena. The community has motivated me this whole time, and I aim for them to drive by this mural and smile.”

The artwork’s impact extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. It represents a collective effort to heal and rebuild, a testament to the power of art to inspire and uplift. As Bolding aptly put it, the mural is “a personal ode to the Eaton fire-ravaged community — art as a message of optimism and healing.” AOL News also highlighted the mural as a symbol of hope for the town.

Looking Ahead: Continued Rebuilding and Community Support

With the mural completed and Sidecca continuing its recovery, the focus remains on the ongoing rebuilding efforts in Altadena. Molina is working to replace the store’s floor and fully restore the space, while Bolding continues to create art that celebrates and uplifts communities. The mural serves as a vibrant reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and resilience can flourish.