Artist puts new touches on Whiskey Creek biker mural

The image of Marlon Brando now has a fresh look on the side of Whiskey Creek Saloon in Hollister. 

That’s because artist Ronald Rocha and his great grand-daughter, who’s 9 years old, did some improvements to the mural that features “Johnny” from “The Wild One” along with special nods to veterans and first responders.

Rocha came to town from Texas where he lives. The work he did this past week added onto the artwork he first painted there 12 years ago with a biker theme. Of course, “The Wild One” is based on the 1947 biker riots that spurred the city’s motorcycle rally tradition and biker lore. 

“I just came up here for a re-paint,” Rocha told San Benito Live. “They wanted to do more toward the veterans.” 

He said the mural now includes insignia for the military and first responders. He did the newest work over a few days. 

“It’s just honoring all the veterans and first responders, bringing a little more attention to that,” he said. 

Rocha said his children live here and visiting gives him a chance to spend time with his grandchildren. He’s also the painter who did the mural Hollister Super and Johnny’s Bar & Grill, where he’ll do some refurbishing work in the near future as well.

As for working with his great-granddaughter, Rocha said she worked on the Brando part of it. 

“That’s what it’s all about,” he said, “trying to pass something onto them.”