On her day in court she was asked by a hearings officer, who was African American to explain her actions.

"I told him the history of logging in Clayoquot Sound (the area we were trying to save) where logging companies are continuously in violation of forest code practices; illegally cutting trees in protected areas and then getting a slap on the wrist by the government. Then the companies just pay a fine and keep the spoils of their pillage."

When told she should write to her congressman, Barbara said "I'm sleeping with a senator (husband, State Senator Tom Hayden)! I've also gone to the White House and met with the Environmental Policy Co-ordinator as well as many Canadian Cabinet members."

The hearings officer answered, "well, you cost the tax payers a lot of money (with the LAPD in full riot gear using the Jaws of Life to cut protesters loose as well as the GTE workers who were shut out of their jobs for a day) and that's wrong."

"I told him I didn't enjoy being chained to a fence for eight hours in 90 degree heat," said Barbara, "and then being taken to jail with no water, food or toilet."
But Barbara felt it was necessary to engage in Civil Disobedience, as did over 1,000 other people who a have been arrested on blockades to bring attention to this issue.

"Acts of Civil Disobedience that disrupt people's lives are wrong and you should issue an apology," said the officer.

"I was stunned," said Barbara, "that a black man could say such a thing - and I told him that my role models were leaders ot the civil rights movement. But the officer said he didn't want to hear me speak and that he just wanted me to say I was sorry. I hated the compromise but understood his situation - so I said I was sorry for costing the tax payers money; but I would not apologise to GTE."

With that, the judge dismissed Barbara.