The State - News from March 21, 1985

Rock guitarist Jerry Garcia of the San Francisco-based Grateful Dead has agreed to participate in a drug diversion program and to perform a benefit concert for a Haight-Ashbury food program instead of facing trial on drug charges. “I want to return something to the community,” he said outside the courtroom. “I’m from here, and the town has always been good to me.” Garcia, 42, was sentenced by Municipal Judge Raymond Reynolds, who ordered him to return to court in six months for a progress report. Garcia was arrested Jan. 18 while sitting in his car in Golden Gate Park. He was charged with possession of just over a gram of cocaine and heroin, both felonies.