Anti-war protest continues
By Jesse Phelps

Mac Lojowski is quickly becoming public enemy No. 1 in some Ojai circles. And an appreciated advocate in others

Lojowski was back at it again on Sunday, taking his free speech and anti-war messages to the sidewalk in front of the Ojai Farmers' Market.

Content to stay out of the street this time after a recent arrest for blocking traffic, Lojowski was visible nevertheless, picketing with three comrades with signs imploring the people of Ojai to boycott the Farmers' Market until it readmits the Citizens for a Peaceful Resolution and Amnesty International.

The two groups had tables set up within the market for the last several months.

According to a flier distributed by Lojowski, "on Sunday, March 23, Amnesty International and Ojai Citizens for a Peaceful Resolution were forced to leave the Ojai Farmer's (sic) Market because of their beliefs in non-violent peace in Iraq. The Management said that some people felt 'uncomfortable' with the peaceful views of the organizations."

Farmers' Market founder Cynthia Korman says that, in fact, Amnesty International was never asked to leave. She agreed there was discomfort but clarified that she wasn't trying to take sides when she asked the Citizens for a Peaceful Resolution to move. "I felt it was just too upsetting to have them involved the Farmers' Market," she said.

We're not a political venue, we're not a government entity," she said. "I don't feel that the town should be split, I just don't want to add to that. People were starting to argue at the market but I don't think that's a good atmosphere."

Korman said she believes much could be solved with better communication and added that Lojowski had not approached her, though a representative of Citizens for a Peaceful Resolution had, to apologize. "(Lojowski) has never spoken to me, he doesn't really know what's going on," she said. "They actually have been invited back. They may come once a month. I told them they can come next weekend but I haven't heard from them."

Lojowski said he plans to demonstrate and continue his call for a boycott until the two organizations "are both welcomed back into our community market."

A representative of Citizens for a Peaceful Resolution said she appreciated having the forum to begin with but was concerned about the timing of their removal. "I want to emphasize that we are grateful that we've had the opportunity to have a table at the Farmers' Market for as long as we have," said Yvonne Padilla.

"It's been a great space for us and I feel that we have provided a service for the community. We've disseminated a tremendous amount of information. But now that the war has started, I feel it's very unfortunate that we are asked to leave being that the information still needs to be disseminated." She added that she was happy Lojowski and his compatriots were making their presence felt.

For her part, Korman, says she's interested in providing a fun place to be each week, an outlet for local farmers and that's all. "I don't try to impose my political or religious views. I don't want a contentious atmosphere," she said.

"I'm trying to sell strawberries. I try to do what's best for the overall good of the farmers. I feel that the community's been supportive and I try to give back in a way that's productive and supportive."

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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