OJAI, CA — Jennifer Moss describes herself as a social artist and environmental activist. Others call her “remarkably self-confident,” “athletic,” and just plain crazy. One thing she is not is uncontroversial.Moss, 32, is known around Ojai, CA, as the “Pastie Lady.” The unconventional name is an honest reflection of Moss’ public persona: She’s frequently observed whizzing around town on a bicycle or inline skates wearing nothing more than a hemp G-string and flower-shaped pasties. Petite, dark-haired and trim, residents say she’s quite a sight — and some actually mean that in a good way.
The artsy town of about 8,000 residents is deeply divided over Moss’ year-long residency. She made her public debut in the city during the Fourth of July Parade in 2007. Originally from Corvallis, OR, she moved to Venice Beach, CA, in her 20s and gradually migrated up the coast to Santa Barbara and eventually wound up in Ojai. When she’s not making a public spectacle of herself, she waits tables at a local vegan restaurant. The rest of the time, she engages the public’s conflicting emotions about the earth, the human body and spirituality.
Her supporters extol her carefree spirit and concern for the environment, telling naysayers to look the other way if they’re offended. Detractors, of course, bemoan the effects her nearly-naked appearance may have on children.
The county’s district attorney is investigating whether he can file charges against Moss for public indecency. Moss contends her attire is skimpy but well within the law. Still, she has been ticketed and arrested by an assortment of authority figures all along the California coast. She views the actions as violations of her constitutional rights.
Ojai Police Chief Bruce Norris isn’t sure what to make of the woman some call “Earth Friend Jen.”
“She’s in great shape. I admire her for that,” he told the Times, adding that Moss’ antics could cause a vehicular accident. “I’m afraid something is going to happen to her.
“People make complaints because they find her behavior extremely offensive,” Norris added. “There is a potential to prosecute her eventually for a public nuisance.”
Who says the state traditionally viewed as the heart of the lunatic fringe doesn’t have a sense of irony?
