Volunteers Support Eaton Business Affected by Storm Flooding
Flooding Forces Sidecca to Close Just After Reopening
Sidecca, a boutique in Altadena, has been compelled to shut its doors again due to flooding, just weeks after reopening from damage caused by a brush fire earlier this year.
Despite the challenges posed by recent severe weather across Southern California and the holiday season approaching, a wave of community support has emerged for the store, which faced additional damage on Christmas Eve. Adriana Molina, the owner of Sidecca, has received assistance from many volunteers committed to helping her recover from the flooding.
Known for its eclectic clothing and unique trinkets, Sidecca was one of the few businesses on Lake Avenue that managed to withstand the January brush fire, though it was still affected by the blaze. Throughout the rebuilding process, Molina kept the business afloat by operating online and holding pop-up sales. The store reopened in late August 2023 for its first pop-up and officially resumed operations last month. However, the recent storm necessitated another closure.
“It’s going to take us a while to get back again,” Molina noted, expressing her optimism despite the setback.
The extent of the damage came to light when employee Manisa Ianakiev called Molina in a state of alarm, alerting her to the situation at the store. “Walk in, and there’s just 4 inches of water from front to back,” Ianakiev recounted, describing the overwhelming chaos.
Their plight quickly gained attention on social media, prompting both neighbors and strangers to lend a helping hand. Eric Jackson, a community member who came to assist, emphasized the importance of support. “It’s about giving back,” he said. “Altadena’s gone through a lot. My family, my friends.”
Unfortunately, most of Sidecca’s inventory and furniture sustained damage due to the flooding. In addition to replacing lost items, the building will require repairs once again as Molina looks to navigate this latest hurdle.
