In Guerneville, demonstrators and merchants are at odds

Thu, Dec. 23, 2004

GUERNEVILLE, Calif. (AP) - Demonstrators and merchants are at odds over the sale of fur coats from a store in Guerneville.

What started as a protest against just one small store has grown into picketing of two stores and threats of boycotts against all Guerneville merchants.

After three weeks of protests, Mikki Herman, owner of the newly opened Kings & Queens Vintage Clothing store, said she is more determined than ever to resist what she calls terrorist tactics. She said she'll continue selling the dozen or so 30- to 70-year-old fur coats until the protesters give up and go away.

Alex Bury, who organized the protest of the store, has vowed to continue to protest until Herman removes the furs.

The dispute escalated earlier this week when about 10 members of Sonoma People for Animal Rights, waving posters and pictures of wild animals suffering in traps, were met by about 20 counter-protesters shouting and carrying signs, such as "I like fur" and "I eat meat."

Since Kings & Queens opened Dec. 4, protesters also have begun picketing a second Guerneville store, Memories that Linger, owned by 20-year Guerneville resident Jennifer Neeley.

Neeley, 33, has four rabbit-fur scarves and some garments trimmed with rabbit fur for sale.

She said the protest has hurt her business but she won't remove the clothing.