Piecemakers members plead not guilty

Three members of a Costa Mesa religious sect pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of operating a restaurant without a proper permit and of blocking a health inspection, said Orange County district attorney’s office spokeswoman Susan Schroeder.

Seven members of the Piecemakers, a Christian group that operates a craft store and restaurant at 1720 Adams Ave. in Costa Mesa, were arrested when they allegedly refused county health inspectors entrance during a courtordered inspection Oct. 26.

Piecemakers founder Marie Kolasinski and members Douglas Follette and Judy Haeger were in Orange County Superior Court on Thursday.

A fourth member, Kathleen Needham, pleaded guilty Dec. 6 to obstruction and refusing inspection; she was given 40 hours of community service and probation, Schroeder said.

-- Lauren Vane