The show welcomed a figure who has long been serving the San Diego community, Judge Robert C. Coates. Judge Coates has had the privilege to see and work within the legal system since 1971 as a Trial Lawyer and presented cases from the local courts all the way to the State and Federal level. He began serving as a Judge in 1983. While, Judge Coates retired from the bench in January of 2011 after presiding over a San Diego Superior Courtroom for more than 28 years, he continues to be an active presence within the law community. Currently, he is a partner at Olins, Riviere, Coates and Bagula, which is a law firm that practices civil law with focus on environmental, business, employment, and real estate law. However, Judge Coates does not view his social responsibility to the community as being filled solely by his law practice. He chairs committees for Understanding Climate Change and the Homeless Women’s Task Force.

Judge Coates has written several papers and commentary on the subject of eradicating the problem of homelessness in the greater San Diego area. Many of these writings focus closely on how the homelessness affects women. In addition he has also written a book titled, “A Street is Not a Home: Solving America’s Homeless Dilemma,” which illuminates his views on how this particular issue should be approached by our governments and private citizens. Prior to his career as an attorney and judge, he began his service in San Diego as a Junior Civil Engineer in 1959, and then an Administrative Analyst as part of the City Manager’s Staff in 1961. Judge Coates has been working for more than 50 years for the betterment of our community, and he has made a positive impact in San Diego.

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