Christian sect still defiant

With seven members facing arraignment, Piecemakers vow to resist health agency’s enforcement efforts.It was business as usual at the Piecemakers Country Store in Costa Mesa Monday, despite a county health agency’s order to stop serving prepared food.

Members of the Piecemakers, a Christian religious sect that operates a craft business and tea room, could face fines and jail time if they do not comply with the Orange County Health Care Agency’s order to cease all unapproved food preparation and food service.

The Piecemakers’ 84-year-old founder, Marie Kolasinski, said the group will not comply with the agency’s mandate.

“We’re not going to do it,” Kolasinski said.

A copy of the agency’s Oct. 26 report, provided by the Piecemakers, cited minor violations and stated that the Piecemakers do not have the required permit to prepare and serve food on-site.

They have a permit that allows them to sell only prepackaged food.

Bulk, unpackaged candy was seen at the counter in the main building and “wrapped sliced pies” and “open beverages in pitchers,” were observed in a tent outside the main building, according to the agency report.

Health inspectors would have evaluated the country store on more criteria, but the actions of the Piecemakers that day prevented them from carrying out the full inspection, agency spokesman Howard Sutter said.

“Because of what happened, they [the health inspectors] were not able to do everything that they normally would have done, just because the situation escalated,” Sutter said.

Seven members of the sect were arrested Oct. 26 after they allegedly interfered with health agency officials who were serving a warrant to inspect the facility’s kitchen.

The health department sought the help of the district attorney’s office after the Piecemakers refused entrance to inspectors during a routine inspection on Oct. 6.

The Orange County Health Care Agency is working with the district attorney’s office to determine whether they will file charges, Sutter said.

“Basically, not complying with the health code regulations ... is a misdemeanor,” said Susan Schroeder, a district attorney’s office spokeswoman.

Noncompliance could mean fines or jail time, Schroeder said.

The seven Piecemakers arrested during the October inspection could face more charges. They were arrested on suspicion of assault, battery and obstruction of justice when they interfered with health inspectors.

Three Piecemakers were arrested on suspicion of obstruction of justice, three on suspicion of assault and one on suspicion of battery.

Charges have not yet been filed, but the seven are scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 28, Schroeder said.

The Piecemakers have had a long and troubled history with the Orange County Health Care Agency.

They have repeatedly refused health inspections because they believe their customers are the only inspectors they need.

“We’re just standing on what we know is God’s truth and the truth of the Constitution,” Kolasinski said.

The state health and safety code requires that a licensed establishment, such as the Country Store, allow health department officials to conduct periodic inspections.