HILLHURST AVENUE—Sales are down at Lassen’s health food store, according to store manager Joycelyn Porcel, since Lassen’s took over Nature Mart in November and the community discovered the new owners had contributed almost $30,000 to fund Proposition 8, the proposition banning gay marriage in California.

Since then, an online petition drive was started which currently has 1,665 signatures against Lassen’s as well as a Facebook page and regular Saturday protests.

Porcel, a former Nature Mart employee for 11 years, said that although numbers are down since Lassen’s took over, the reason could also be also be attributed to the store’s current renovations, like painting and turning the bulk bin into a juice bar and deli. According to Porcel, the renovations will continue for at least another month.

Boycott demonstrations have become a regular fixture in Lassen’s parking lot on Saturdays and although the numbers may dwindle, the signs are large enough to draw attention.

“The attitude of Lassen’s is that it is the right to protest and we allow access to our parking lot,” Porcel said.

According to Porcel, as a gay woman who once boycotted against Target for their contribution to an anti-gay politician, she understands the anger.

“I ultimately returned to shop at Target, but I realize some may come back here and some may not. I understand the protester’s desire to notify the community about their concerns and that is definitely their right to do so, but I don’t think this is a black and white issue. There is a lot of gray area here too.”

Porcel said that although there may be a slowdown at times, it is not enough to cause her concern about her job.

“Although I respect the right to protest, this also hurts me and other workers who like working here and need our jobs,” she said. “I am a gay woman and I am sensitive to the issue, but Lassen’s contribution was three years ago. People learn from their mistakes and Lassen’s has a very family-oriented and professional working environment.”

Catherine Davie of the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center said it is important the community be aware of the issues.

“At the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center, we always work to get the word out to our community and allies so they can make an informed decision when it comes to supporting a business or organization. . . We are always disappointed when we hear about businesses that support discrimination and are opposed to marriage equality, especially when those businesses come to a community that is known to be very LGBT-friendly. We’re continuing to inform our supporters about the protests through our social media channels.”

Store manager Porcel said the community should look at the big picture and understand that as a single mom, if the store closes she must start over.

“These protests are mainly affecting the workers, the owners will be fine,” she said. “I know [protesters] want to inform people and it is their right, but at some point you must respect the customers who make the choice to shop here and the employees who need jobs.”