The Ojai Post

Perhaps an unfortunate accident with a gravel truck one day...

Back from the Parade, which was fun. I just talked to two potential "Naked Bike Ride" participants, who had covered the appropriate parts and would have fit in just fine with the Mardi Gras revelers.

They were going to join the parade from the side right at the end. Before they could do so, a man pulled a knife on them, and threatened them. That person, who clearly did not want them to participate in the parade, was subsequently arrested.

I'm hereby pledging half the registration fee for the "Naked Bike Ride" to participate in the parade next year, as long as they abide by all public decency rules.

I am so bummed...I was looking forward to seeing a new Grand Finale this year! Man with a knife? Geez! Did his name start with the letter " L " by any chance? lol

About 5 minutes after the street sweeper passed by, the smiling and waving Pastie Lady (G-string and daisy pasties!) whizzed by on skates past Cluff Vista Park only to be detained by officials somewhere before town center. A few moments later I overheard a walkie talkie of a sheriff assistant saying that a G-stringed man had also been detained near Canada Street... did others join along the way?

The parade was most enjoyable!

I love the general good will, good cheer and spirit of fun behind it all...one can't help but appreciate all the behind the scenes work that goes on to produce this event!

We had a great shady spot by the Oaks, at the corner of Ojai Avenue and Ventura Street. At the very end of the parade, after the street sweepers... from a distance we could see a tall nice looking lean young man riding his bicycle nearly naked. Some of us (not me ofcourse) secretly hoped this was the beginning of a small town version of the World Naked Bike Rides that take place all over the Planet. (I heard someone say that the most taboo part of his anatomy was covered). By the time he cycled to the Ojai Avenue block in front of the Star Market parking lot, a benign older type police man was writing him up. We watched from a distance -- the general consensus was, "Just leave him alone...he's not hurting anyone..." We decided tat if they tried to arrest him we would gather around and peacefully protest.

After a few more minutes the nearly naked man put on his shorts. Soon a second police car arrived.

I moved closer wih my dog and a couple of friends because --one never knows how these things play out and it's good to bear witness, listen to the exchange, etc.

The first policeman disappeared and the second one was doing the paper work. While he was busy writing the ticket I asked the bicycle man what he was being cited for. To the best of my understanding he said he was cited for entering the parade area and not moving aside soon enough....he was not upset over being cited but over the fact that earlier he was threatened by someone in the crowd with a knife...

Naturally I'm curious how many fully clothed people get cited on the 4th of July for entering the parade area...at the very end... behind the horse pooper scoopers...

I have his name and number in case any reporter reading this wants the scoop-there's more to the story than meets the eye...

Just read #4... now I get the picture...

Bless our independence, and bless EARTHFRIENDGEN! Her spirit embodies the goodness and truth which represents OUR community! Send the rookie "police" back to Simi Valley, and Let it be. Freak Freely, and (select your own deity) bless America. Fight the power!

awesome pledge, Tyler!!

Gosh, she's just like the rest of Gen X that missed the 60s. Too bad , honey, pull up what panties you have and move back to Oregon!

Dear Ojaians,

How do you feel about living in neo-nazi land? The naked truth is, Ojai--like America--is ran by corrupt, racist, fascists. (Please watch The Esoteric Agenda and The Obama Deception on YouTube.) A man targeted another man that was in our group and pulled out a knife and threatened to cut off his manhood if we came near the parade. THAT IS A HATE CRIME. We have witnesses and THE POLICE STILL LET HIM GO AND SAID TO MY FRIEND WHO WITNESSED IT THAT IT'S HIS WORD AGAINST THE MAN'S/COPS. Like I said, we have witnessES--and photos. Not only that, I entered the street clearly after the parade had passed through and others were allowed to enter the street, and the police targeted me (discrimination) and gave me a ticket for jumping in on the parade. I HAVE WITNESSES. The law enforcement in Ojai is totally corrupt and DISGRACEFUL. Those of you who call yourselves Americans and support this behavior are HEADED FOR DISASTER. REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED TO THE NAZIS? "None are so hopelessy enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free." --Goethe. AMERICA IS A LIE. Only the Truth shall set us free and the Truth is Naked, natually! Genuinely, Gennifer Moss

Gen - speak from a place of love and compassion and not anger and hatred and you will advance your declared earth friendly agenda far farther. Calling people nazis and fascists will win over no one but the most hardcore extremists, and that's no way to share your message effectively.

"Not only that, I entered the street clearly after the parade had passed through and others were allowed to enter the street, and the police targeted me (discrimination) and gave me a ticket for jumping in on the parade."

Very interesting that the police chose to write tickets for "jumping in on the parade," and not indecent exposure...more later...

Aside from the legal issues, I just want to mention that the exchange I witnessed between the man on the bicycle and the two police, from all appearances, was friendly and respectful.

The general consensus of those of us who stayed to observe the written citation process seemed to be that this is a total waste of time, energy and expense ... it seems the police feel obliged to issue these citations ...but I bet they'd rather be doing something more productive...

Can someone please explain to me what the real issues are here? What is the point of the naked riders? Shock & Titillation? To get away with as much as they can? Are they just exhibitionists? This reminds me of frat pranks and I'm not sure what they are going for?

Seems like creating an event for a naked bike ride or run is a good idea. That way people can choose to participate, choose to watch or not. Could be great fun!

What I don't understand is where the glory lies in trying to shock people at the farmers market or parades who aren't expecting it. Yes there are those who live to run naked through a football stadium to be seen by millions and yes, they get arrested. Would they if they had on a g-string and pasties?? lol weird questions today.

If supporting nudism and the beauty of the body, there are many ways to do it where it's not forcing one's own perfections or imperfections on others and creating such titillation. The way this is all being done sounds like people who a) want to create a stir and b) get pleasure out of being scantily clad in places where people aren't suspecting it. It's not like being in clothing optional places where a person is fully prepared for that possibility.

If I am wrong in this perception someone please explain it to me further?

DK

I presume our little friend's act grew wearisome up there in Oregon and they sent her packing? Either that or she didn't get the attention she so clearly seeks. Funny she came back here after bashing Ojai in the article that was written about her up there. If the police are so hostile to her here, she is free to go elsewhere.

I don't think your perception is wrong DK. In fact, in some ways I agree.

But whatever the motive, I don't think anyone should be arrested for skating or bicycling au naturel on a hot, festive summer day so long as lower body private areas are appropriately covered.

Parents who are worried about their children would be better served throwing out their TV sets. Those titilating soft porn commercials of scantily clad models salivating over dead cow burgers are far more worrisome then Gen rollerblading down Ojai Avenue.

To be honest, there were a few things in the parade that I found disturbing and was not expecting. I could argue, for example, that if people wanted to see horses dancing they could go to a horse show.

The parade and celebrations afterwards are about freedom, diversity, tolerance and having fun! And maybe playing some harmless pranks ...

This afternoon I overheard my teenage nieces laughingly discussing the "naked bike riders." When their very conservative father chimed in and said he thought people like that should be arrested they rolled their eyes and adamently informed him that "there is nothing wrong with being nude..."

On a deeper level, don't you wonder how it has come to be that our society worships breasts for their sexual titilation and ability to sell everything from cars to bacon burgers-- but showing the actual source of a human babies nourishment, the nipple, is ILLEGAL.

Now how perverted is that?!

Copy of "Omitted News," originally posted under Parade Photos:

Immediately following the parade, a female wearing am American flag, nipple covering, and a thong-type bikini bottom on rollerblades, began skating on the parade street (parade was over) and was subsequently contacted by two motorcycle police officers (jurisdiction unknown) and issued a citation. Other males with her group were ordered by law enforcement not to appear on the parade street. One of the male members of this group was allegedly approached by an caucasian male who then brandished a knife and stated he would cut the cyclist's genitalia.

The suspect was handcuffed by law enforcement officers and shortly therafter released. It would seem reasonable and prudent some news agency would have reported these two incidents. It is my opinion these incidents warrant a thorough legal examination. The intentional omission of possible misconduct by any law enforcement agency is a disservice to all citizens. Is anybody out there ?

Comment #5 Posted by: susan tilton | July 5, 2009 11:38 PM

Correction to above comment: I copied and reposted the above comment because I had similar concerns when I spoke with the man who was threatened with a knife while the police were writing up his citation.

Thinking back, I do recall now that he said that the man who threatened him was already walking around....so he must have been released almost immediately. As I mentioned in a previous comment, the man who was threatened cooperated with the police, put on his shorts, handed over his driver's license, etc. He stated several times how unexpected it was to be threatened with a knife and he wondered why the man who assaulted him was let go so quickly...

Threatening someone with a knife is a crime of violence and should not be dismissed lightly...

i was part of the freedom riders with gens group i was fully clothed and expressing freedom but the ride was cut short due to a white male short hair with tattooed sleaves both arms with a knife opened down in front of his waist threating me and a another rider to cut our man hood off if we tried to get near the parade the other rider was wearing speedos and a burlap to cover the speedo so the attacker went towards him and threaten him with a open knife in his hand i respoded to the nearst police which went staight to the attacker hand cuffed him found the knife then told me to stay away and sit at the curb and he will talk to me later well about 3 minuets go by the release the knife welding man from hand cuffs the man pats police on the back and is free to go i got up from the curb a questioned the release i was told by the only remaining policeman due to the fact i didnt know all the facts so hung out by the knife welding mans truck when he was leaving he said he meant no harm with his knife please talk to the other man and express his regret for his actions with i presume as his teenage daughter sat in the truck listining to us i told it was against the law to pull a knife told him to have a nice day and left so much for my rights as a american why if a latino shaved head and tattoos he would have gone to jail were is the justice

This is helpful to know...perhaps the knife wielding man will explain himsef and issue a public appology...

...I'm thinking about the last sentence in the above post...

I know I should keep my mouth shut until I have my day in court but the irony is too much for me to resist. At the same time that the abovementioned knife-wielding man was released, I was pulled over and cited by the CHP a few blocks from the parade route for driving the Ojai Mardi Gras parade bandwagon, a secure stakebed truck going 25-30 mph, with 3 adult band members in the back keeping their music equipment steady on the ride back to unload it. I understand the letter of the law but can't help feeling, in light of the other incident, that a warning would have been sufficient.

Lanny, it's not clear to me what you were cited for. Having 3 adult band members riding in back of the truck?

Considering the truck was in the parade, and you were driving slowly, in the spirit of the 4th of July, seems a warning would have been sufficient...

I too am trying to keep quiet, hoping other fair-minded people will chime in...

I don't believe that if a knife was pulled, and if there were witnesses other than the alleged victim, that the knife-wielder would remain a free man. His alleged threats alone would be enough to make an arrest. The police wouldn't put themselves in that kind of liability jeopardy.

If it did happen, witnesses should step forward and the guy should be arrested.

Gen - your act is stale. Your rants over the years are schizophrenic to say the least, displaying no character, principle or purpose other than to gather attention. You're a nut job. Chill out, and perhaps somebody will take you seriously one day.

I was cited for "allowing passengers to ride in rear of truck."

That last anonymous was me.

if unfriendly gen from another planet continues to scream and holler about how much she hates ojai, why does she keep coming back? she doesn't seem to be making friends anywhere she goes with her attitude (never mind the nakedness)

Here I am, basking in iMac's fluorescent lights...nevermind the full moon...

The intention of this Freedom Ride, for me, was to shine a light on sustainable solutions to curbing car culture. To clarify, the ride was born from an organization called Wolrd Nake Bike Ride...which is not always naked, but is always spreading the word about indecent exposure to toxic environments on our planet due to oil dependency. Freedom of expression was a key theme this 4th of July as we excercised our rights as American citizens.

I came to this ride with an open heart, a keen mind, and my three year old daughter. I was not imagining our ride to be effortless, but never in my life would I imagine that any one of our lives would be threatened that day. When the knife came into the scene, I gracefully departed, sparing my young child from any risk of violence---be it from the public or the police.

I am completely horrified with the thought of that man walking freely and I am in strong support of any efforts made to resolve this issue with true justice. Violence should never be tolerated or dismissed lightly.

Gen, you are my sister. Let's find a way to bridge the gap between radical revolution and transitional revelation. There is no way to peace--Peace is the way! Thanks for inspiring change.

I am excited about organizing a walk for sustainability for next year---something legal, something clean, something creative. And, Tyler, I will match your $7.50 to make next year legit!

It's nice to "open" the Ojai Post and read this...you (Dani)had good intentions... in tune with the original spirit behind the World Naked Bike Ride...

I can understand why the Ojai 4th of July organizers did not want a Naked Ride happening in the streets immediately following the parade.

However, I could not help but notice that with all the talk about making Ojai a "Green Sustainable City" within minutes after the parade cars once more took over the streets. The police and parade organizers do not realize that critcal mass bicycles have equal rights to be part of the flow of traffic and that if there is not enough space in the road for both cars and cyclists it is the more powerful car that must make way for the cyclists and not the other way around.

I can understand Bret Bradigan's recent editorial recommending the Ride be a separate green event --but I can also understand seizing the 4th of July moment and taking to the streets on all manner of human-powered transportation...

...so, apparently, there are no witnesses to the alleged knife-weilding man? How surprising...

If you'd like the name and number of the man who told me he was threatened with a knife please email me at Sfrancina@aol.com so he can tell you exactly what happened. Or leave your phone number here and I will ask him to call you.

Don't tell me, for God's sake! Tell the police and have the guy arrested. Brandishing a weapon is a serious crime..I am not an attorney, but I believe that brandishing a knife is a misdemeanor, but the alleged criminal threat the guy made is a felony.

My whole point here is that this post is the kind of place where fantasy quickly becomes reality to like-minded people. Let's get the facts and act appropriately.

so no one here ever actually saw anyone with a knife?

"facts?": Please see comment #27. Dani is who I referred to in comment #2.

the knife was as real as Gen's g-string

My computer somehow sent the last message multiple times. Here's the original message edited a bit so it will be posted: Greetings from Earth Friend Gen! I do not read the comments here (just enough to make sure this comment is posted). I already know all the infinite opinions of humans, and I have the loving support of God/Consciousness. Hallelujah. The fact is, America/the powers that be/Ojai Police support hate crimes, and so does the Ojai Valley News/the Associated Press. The violent/hate-crime supporting OVN (which I do not read), but was told by one of the 3 men that had the big knife directly pulled on him, read a "thumbs up" from some ungodly Ojaian thanking the man for pulling a knife on our group and threatening our lives. --I'm filing a report with the police today--and so is my other friend who had the knife pulled on him--but it was pulled on our whole group--he singled us out--HATE CRIME--YOU'RE GOING DOWN, GOOD OLE' BOY! I am also contacting the ACLU AND President Obama. If you support violence against a minority group or any group of peaceful citizens, YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO AMERICA AND OUR FOUNDING FATHERS AND ALL THOSE WHO FOUGHT AND LOST THEIR LIVES DEFENDING OUR FREEDOMS. MY FREEDOM IS YOUR FREEDOM! I am filing for minority status for nudists and officially recognizing Nudity as a Religion-- Original Innocence, according to the "Holy" bible. I will go on my nearly naked freedom rides through town, but I do not want anyone joining me because the Ojai Police/Ojai supports violent hate crimes. I do not want anyone getting hurt--I had no idea some violently crazed man would threaten our lives with a deadly weapon and that the police would condone it. As for those lost souls that wish harm towards me, you are only magnetizing negative energy towards yourselves. Watch out! What I do is necessary and comes from Truth, Love, and Light. What those against me do comes from judgement, fear, and hatred. We shall all reap what we sow. I am a Cosmic Catalyst and how YOU feel about me shall magnetize that energy towards YOU! May it be Pure Love and Light! I love all children and the child's spirit within everyone. I am naked especially for the children because they NEED to be shown a NEW WAY--THE ORIGINAL OLD FASHIONED WAY: NAKED, ORGANIC, ORIGINAL INNOCENCE. "Oh ye of little faith, is not life more than meat and the body more than raiment?" "Do not judge." And if you put down any of my little ones . . . Well, I AM ONE OF GOD'S LITTLE ONES!!! When you see me looking naked, that's the little innocent girl in me that will NOT take no for an answer!!! Also, I am a social artist and I love to get under your skin/in your head and put a big question mark in there. So, a lot of folks have been tricked. The Naked Truth is, I have NEVER been arrested in Ventura County. I HAVE NEVER PAID ONE SINGLE FINE RELATING TO PUBLIC NUDITY/INDECENT EXPOSURE. I wear nipple-like covers over my nipples, so I am decently covered according to Ojai's silly laws. People up north are way more comfortable with being human. I love everyone. Thank you so much for your support. May everyone be more focused on getting healthier and living sustainably. ORIGINAL INNOCENCE IS COMING BACK! MAY YOU ALL HAVE THE FAITH AND COURAGE TO RETURN TO EDEN AND RETURN TO GOD, NAKED AND UNASHAMED. Genuinely, Gennifer Moss

Gen - just read what it says when your comment is held up for moderation. It says to email me and gives my address. You don't need to post 15 times.

Ay Carambas!
Was that jock(o) doubleday doing his 9-11 mime at the gates of Neverlandd Ranch?!

I'm not upset anymore. Bless all beings. We are learning. Love, Light, and Life. Hallelujah. Peace be with you all, and remember, health is the greatest wealth. "Craftiness must wear clothes, but truth loves to go naked!" --English Proverb. Genuinely, Gennifer

I can't help but smile and feel hopeful when I read this...