Jonathan Pinkston, the founder of Sebastopol’s Soft Medicine Sanctuary and the Bloom Festival, has been forced out of his business following a wave of disturbing allegations detailed in a 168-page restraining order.
The Press Democrat reports a former partner has accused Pinkston of sexual assault and physical abuse, while business associates have filed suit in Sonoma County, claiming he mismanaged funds and left the wellness center drowning in over $130,000 of unpaid taxes.
While Pinkston has denied the claims, a Humboldt County judge has already granted a domestic violence restraining order against him. The sanctuary’s management team announced they are officially severing ties with Pinkston to move the company toward a “transitional board” in hopes of saving the local community hub.
