CHP Interrupts Banner Protests by Contra Foes

Protesters opposing aid to the Nicaraguan Contras unfurled banners on overpasses of busy freeways in Los Angeles and Orange counties Wednesday morning, and were warned away by California highway patrolmen who called the practice both dangerous and illegal.

The banners, the work of a group called Pledge of Resistance, were displayed to rush-hour commuters for a few minutes to about an hour, depending on on how quickly authorities became aware of them.

The protesting group was described by spokeswoman Linda Lillow of Los Angeles as part of Days of Decision, a coalition that opposes U.S. foreign policy in Central America.

The banners, reading “No on Contra Aid. Call Congress” and “Support Central American Peace Process,” were aimed at a compromise plan to provide non-military aid to the Nicaraguan rebels reached by House Democrats earlier this week.

“We have no problems with freedom of speech, but this is a very, very dangerous way to express yourself,” said CHP spokesman Mike Maas.

He said the first banner was reported at 7:47 a.m. on the 135th Street overpass of the Harbor Freeway, slowing southbound traffic. Patrolmen removed it and told the protesters to leave, he said.

About an hour later, another banner was tied to the railing of the 3rd Street over crossing of the Harbor Freeway, Maas said. The CHP confiscated the banner and ordered the demonstrators to leave. At 8:45 a.m., patrolmen again warned protesters displaying a banner away from the 135th Street overpass.

In Orange County, CHP spokesman Paul Caldwell said that a motorcycle officer “shooed a group away” after they had displayed a banner from the Lincoln overpass of the Santa Ana Freeway.

Under state law, Maas said, it is a misdemeanor to display a sign near a state highway without an encroachment permit.