Is Racism Behind the Density Debate in San Diego?

A high profile environmental attorney in San Diego called out neighborhood opposition to development that would add density for "selfishness and closet racism."

1 minute read

October 30, 2014, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


San Diego Rail

cliff1066â„¢ / Flickr

Earlier in October, Andrew Keats reported comments made by Marco Gonzalez, "[one] of the most high-profile environmental attorneys and activists in town." Gonzalez made the comments at the San Diego Housing Federation’s annual conference, which are quoted at length in the article by Keats.

A follow up article by Matthew Hose follows up on incendiary comments by presenting the responses of readers who took exception with Gonzalez from a variety of angles.

Monday, October 20, 2014 in Voice of San Diego

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A woman looks at a utility bill.

'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide

Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.

30 minutes ago - Smart Cities Dive

A person scuba diving in a coral reef off Guam.

Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies

International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.

1 hour ago - Grist

A gray building partially obscured by trees, behind a four way intersection.

A ‘shady’ deal: Chicagoans rally against planned Amtrak maintenance facility

The $900 million facility would allow Amtrak to maintain entire trains in one building, which the company says will reduce delays.

2 hours ago - Block Club Chicago