Honors
As to Awards, Judge Coates refers to a favorite quotation (from Carl Sandburg): "I do not concern myself with ephemera." Here, however, are some of his Awards:
2007 2007 Service to the World Award, Rotary
2006 Rotary/Scouting Cliff Doctorman Award
2004 Re-Elected Judge, 69.4% of vote County wide
2003 Community Service Award, S.D. Co. Judges Association
1999 Humanitarian Award, Coalition for the Homeless
1998 God and Country Award, BSA
1997 Judicial Excellence Award, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego
1995 Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International
1991 Warren Williams Advocacy Award, American & California Psychiatric Assns.
1991 Distinguished Service, Rotary ("Preserve Planet Earth")
1991 One of Ten San Diego “Citizens of the Year,” City Club
1990 Frank Curran Humanitarian of the Year, Central City Assn. of San Diego
1988 Honorary Juris Doctor, Western State University College of Law
1987 Silver Beaver Award, Boy Scouts of America
1986 President's Award, San Diego Trial Lawyers Assn.
1984 Baylor Brooks Distinguished Geology Graduate, San Diego State University
1984 Community Service Award, San Diego Housing Commission
1982 Founder's Recognition, The Crime Victim's Fund
1982 Poetry (first prize), San Diego Writers & Editors Guild
1978 Co-Volunteer of the Year, San Diego Mental Health Assn.
1974 Certification to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court
1970 Key to the City of Coronado (for “public courage")
1969 Justice, Beaumont Chapter, Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity
1967 Water Safety Award (lifesaving, three persons), American Red Cross
1964/66 Nominee, State Assembly, 78th District
1962 Winner, Campership of the Year, to "a young person likely to make a significant lifetime contribution to the cause of conservation"
(Grand Canyon raft trip), National Sierra Club
1960 San Diego County Chair, Young Democrats
1959 Distinguished Graduate, San Diego State University
1954 Most Valuable Baseball Player, La Jolla High School
1954 Eagle Scout
