On Christmas Eve, a sudden storm swept through Altadena, turning the streets into a torrent that flooded the beloved Sidecca boutique. The deluge came at a time when the region was already bracing for severe weather across Southern California, and the flood reminded everyone of how fragile small businesses can be when faced with nature’s unpredictability. Do-gooders, driven by the true spirit of Christmas, stepped up to help Adriana Molina, the owner of Sidecca, after the shop was flooded on Christmas Eve. The flooded roads made it difficult for residents to travel, yet volunteers organized quickly to bring supplies and support to the shop.
The Fire That Left a Scar
Sidecca, known for its quirky clothing and charming trinkets, was one of the few shops on Lake Avenue that survived the brush fire in January. Though the blaze left the building scarred and the interior still impacted by heat and smoke, the store remained standing. The fire had forced many local businesses to shut down, but Sidecca managed to stay open, a testament to its resilience and the dedication of its owner. The boutique’s survival was a beacon for the neighborhood, showing that even after a devastating fire, a business could endure.
Rebuilding and Resilience
While the storefront was being rebuilt, Molina kept the business alive by selling Sidecca online and hosting pop-ups. The boutique reopened for the first time this year in late August for a pop-up before reopening for good last month. “Now, it’s going to take us a while to get back again,” Molina said. “But, we’re going to do it, I think.” Her optimism reflected the community’s spirit and the determination to see the shop thrive once more. The online sales helped bridge the gap between physical closures, and the pop-ups attracted new customers eager to support a local favorite.
The Christmas Eve Flood
Wednesday’s storm forced the shop to shut down again, this time because of flooding. Manisa Ianakiev, an employee, called Molina and urged her to come to the store. “Walk in, and just 4 inches of water from front to back,” Ianakiev said. “Sadly had to call her in overwhelming panic, and I was like, ‘You have to come.'” The sudden influx of water damaged most of Sidecca’s products and furniture, putting the owner back at square one. The damage included soaked clothing, broken display cases, and ruined trinkets that had been carefully curated for the boutique.
Community Response
The flood sparked a wave of generosity from neighbors and strangers alike. “It’s about giving back,” Eric Jackson, who stopped by to help, told the business owner. “And, Altadena’s gone through a lot. My family, my friends.” The sense of community that had been forged during the fire and the rebuilding phase was now being put to the test as people rallied to assist the boutique. Volunteers brought buckets, towels, and tools, while others offered to transport damaged items to a safe location.
The Instagram Stories
Molina and Ianakiev posted about their woes on the store’s Instagram stories, and word spread quickly. The stories captured the raw reality of the flood and the immediate need for help. As the posts circulated, volunteers began to arrive, bringing tools, supplies, and a willingness to get their hands dirty. The rapid response highlighted how social media can mobilize a community in moments of crisis.
The Volunteers
Neighbors and strangers lined up to help clean the basement, remove damaged items, and patch up the storefront. The volunteer effort was a tangible demonstration of how a community can come together when a local business faces adversity. The collective action underscored the value of small businesses as anchors in the neighborhood. Those who helped reported a sense of pride in restoring a familiar landmark for the community.
The Custom Ornaments
Sidecca had been creating custom-made ornaments for students and staff at St. Mark’s School in Altadena. The flood threatened to destroy the inventory that had been carefully crafted for the school’s holiday event. The loss was not just financial; it was a cultural loss for the school community that had relied on Sidecca’s unique designs. The ornaments were meant to bring a touch of local artistry to the school’s celebrations.
The NBC4 News Report
Jonathan Gonzalez reports for the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. He covered the flood’s impact on Sidecca, the volunteer response, and the ongoing challenges that the boutique faces as it works to recover from the damage. The report emphasized the resilience of the shop and the community’s willingness to support a cherished local business.
Looking Ahead
Due to the flooding, most of Sidecca’s products and furniture were damaged, and the building will have to be repaired once again. Molina remains hopeful, though the road ahead is long. The store’s future depends on continued community support, the restoration of its physical space, and the resilience that has defined it since the January fire. As the holiday season approaches, the story of Sidecca serves as a reminder that small businesses can endure even when the weather turns against them.
