[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 16 (Monday, January 29, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E83-E84]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE HONORABLE ROBERT C. COATES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 29, 2024

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
lasting contributions of The Honorable Robert C. Coates, a critical 
leader in the California judicial system. Judge Coates leaves behind an 
indelible legacy of service, selflessness, and humanitarianism.
  Born in Pacific Beach in 1937, Judge Coates spent his early years 
cultivating what would become a lifelong passion for protecting the 
environment and addressing the most pressing issues impacting his 
community. After graduating with his Bachelor of Science in Engineering 
Geology from San Diego State University, Judge Coates joined the Naval 
Reserve, where he faithfully served our country.
  Driven by a commitment to justice, Judge Coates earned his Juris 
Doctor from the California Western School of Law, beginning what would 
become an almost six decades-long career in the legal system. As a 
trial lawyer for 12 years, Judge Coates undertook a wide range of civil 
and criminal defense cases at the state and federal levels and notably 
won a case before the California Supreme Court.
  In 1982, Judge Coates was appointed to a position as a Judge, where 
he spearheaded efforts to establish the highly successful Serial 
Inebriate Program, aimed at treating chronic alcohol abuse. In 
addition, Judge Coates was a leader in changing how the court addresses 
homelessness and mental health issues, helping pave the way toward a 
more equitable judicial system in California and beyond.
  Judge Coates' commitment to enacting positive change was not only 
expressed through his critical work as a lawyer and judge, but also 
through his mentorship of the next generation of lawyers. He served as 
an Adjunct Law Professor at the University of San Diego School of Law, 
where he developed the School's Environmental Law course and 
established and directed the Environmental and Natural Resources Forum. 
Judge Coates' critical role in legal education also extended to the 
Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where he created and taught the Poverty 
Law course.
  In addition to his leadership and mentorship, Judge Coates 
exemplified the spirit of altruism in all areas of his life. He chaired 
the San

[[Page E84]]

Diego's Homeless Women Task Force, providing critical support to women 
who lack access to public health and psychological care. He also 
authored multiple books addressing the homelessness crisis in America, 
including A Street is Not a Home, which served as a model for multiple 
Grand Juries in implementing equitable solutions to housing disputes.
  Judge Coates' enduring spirit will live on in his wife of 19 years, 
daughter, son, and three grandchildren. I would like to extend my 
deepest sympathies to Judge Coates' loved ones. I know that they, along 
with the people of California, join me in celebrating his life and 
legacy.

                          ____________________