Tree Defender Pleads Not Guilty

An Ojai man who last month protested the removal of three dying oaks by climbing up one tree and refusing to come down pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of resisting arrest and trespassing.

John Christianson, a tall, silver-haired activist, appeared in Ventura County Superior Court for the misdemeanor arraignment. His lawyer entered the plea on his behalf and a trial was set for May 15.

One of four people arrested during the protest, Christianson, 51, is charged with trespassing for interfering with city business being carried out on its property.

On March 15, he climbed up an old oak tree in Ojai’s Libbey Park, tied himself to the trunk and for 15 hours refused to come down. Christianson eventually surrendered to county sheriff’s deputies.

Dozens of protesters demonstrated against the city’s plan to chop down the trees, which city arborists had determined were dying and in danger of falling on a children’s playground.

Two trees were felled after protesters were cleared out, and the city agreed to hold off on cutting down the third.

Danny Miller, 36, of Ojai, was also arrested for allegedly attempting to prevent a city truck from passing. Miller was also scheduled to be arraigned Friday, but his case was postponed.

Two Ojai women were also arrested during the demonstration and charged with resisting arrest.

Lorraine Freeman, 51, allegedly threw an apple at a police horse. Her case is pending. Alexandra Wolfe, 58, pleaded no contest a day after the protest. She served three days in jail and was fined $255.

Christianson remains free on $5,000 bail.