An Eco-Terrorist's Story

Mark Warren Sands is sentenced to 18 years in prison for lighting fires in Phoenix, AZ. that were believed to have been set by eco-terrorists fighting sprawl.

1 minute read

February 14, 2002, 11:00 AM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"[As] one arson grew to eight, and as fear spread that Phoenix was under attack by eco-terrorists fighting residential sprawl, Mr. Sands, a laid- off public relations and marketing executive, began lighting fires seemingly to prove something to himself: that he still knew how to run a campaign... Mr. Sands gained national attention by setting fires at construction sites adjoining two mountain preserves here from April 2000 to January 2001 and claiming, in notes at the crime scenes and in taunting letters to the press, that they were the work of a group he called the Coalition to Save the Preserves."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

Tuesday, February 12, 2002 in The New York Times

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Rendering of proposed housing development on former Desert Pines golf course in East Las Vegas, Nevada.

Las Vegas Golf Course to Become Over 1,000 Units of Affordable Housing

The project is part of an initiative to build affordable housing on shuttered golf courses.

November 20, 2024 - KTNV

Close-up of laptop with real estate listings shown on map.

Cities and States Taking Action to Limit Rent-Setting AI

Federal prosecutors are charging a software company with using algorithms to artificially inflate rents.

December 2 - CALmatters

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit train at elevated station with hills and palm tree in background.

BART to Raise Fares in January

The transit agency says it needs more state and federal support to meet its operating costs and avoid a growing budget gap.

December 2 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Long row of Bixi bike share bikes parked at station on street in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal Bike Share Breaks Ridership Record With 13 Million Rides

The Bixi system introduced a winter pilot project last year, leading to a rise in winter cycling.

December 2 - The Montreal Gazette

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.