Twice-Delayed Arraignment of Arcadia Woodlands 'Tree-Sitters' Slated for Wednesday

After being twice delayed, the arraignment for the Arcadia Woodlands "tree sitters" is now set for Wednesday, March 23.

Judge Stephanie M. Bowick issued a continuance Friday, Feb. 18, to John Quigley and Julia Jaye Posin, two of the four tree activists, who appeared in Alhambra Superior Court Friday with attorney Colleen Flynn by their side.

The continuance was issued because the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office and Flynn are still in the process of discussing resolution to the case. 

But a resolution appeared unlikely at the time, as Flynn told Patch after the arraignment that the D.A. wanted jail time for her clients. Quigley and Posin have balked at any agreement that would include time behind bars with Quigley adding, "We're going to go full on and fight [the charges] all the way."

Quigley and Posin, who along with Andrea Bowers and Travis Jochimsen were for climbing trees in an attempt to stop a that destroyed more than , face charges of trespassing, disturbing the peace, and delaying a peace officer.

Quigley and Posin hope to try the case in the court of public opinion. Many community members stand in solidarity behind the peaceful protesters, Quigley said. For her part, Posin set up a website, arcadia4justice.org, that has encouraged supporters to contribute to the group's legal defense fund. 

Posin's website also includes a a petition, signed by more than 300 people, that asks District Attorney Steve Cooley not to pursue charges against the protesters and instead investigate "the for their deceptive, egregious, and potentially illegal planning process that led to the destruction of these old growth woodlands."

Jochimsen and Bowers did not appear in court Friday; Quigley said Jochimsen was in Northern California and Bowers was in New York. But all four of the protesters are required to appear at their Wednesday arraignment, Judge Bowick said in February.