The Region - News from Feb. 21, 1985

A U.S. magistrate ordered seven protesters to spend one day in jail and another to write to President Reagan after the eight pleaded guilty to refusing to disperse their prayer meeting on the steps of the Los Angeles federal courthouse last Dec. 28. The eight were among 26 protesters opposed to U.S. military involvement in Central America who were cited for failing to leave federal property. The rest agreed to pay $10 fines or do community service, causing U.S. Magistrate Venetta S. Tassopulos to impose stiffer penalties for the eight who refused to do either. Robert Friberg, 66, of Hawthorne, who was ordered to write to Reagan, said he would urge the President to “work for peace.” Tassopulos refused to order Friberg to jail because he walks with the aid of a cane.