The landmark Brown v. the Board of Education case that erased the nation\u2019s \u201cseparate but equal\u201d doctrine from national chalkboard was still seven years away, and Mendez is viewed as a precursor to that civil rights milestone.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what I forgot: The ongoing effort to honor the four other plaintiff families, in addition to the Mendezes, who received most of the public recognition since their surname appeared first in the lawsuit. <\/p>\n
These families go by the \u201cEt Als,\u201d because that\u2019s how the full name of lawsuit refers to them: Mendez, et al, v. Westminster School District of Orange County, et al. They use the moniker to make sure Californians don\u2019t forget about their ancestors, and politicians and activists paying attention to their cause are working to place their names on buildings and public spaces.<\/p>\n
Columnist Gustavo Arellano explained it all in 2024, asking, \u201cFive families sued to desegregate O.C. schools. Why is just one remembered?<\/a>\u201d He called attention to the legacies of the Palomino, <\/a>Estrada, Guzman and Ramirez families.<\/a> <\/p>\n This takes us to Gabriel\u2019s weekend story<\/a> on the Palominos, who recently celebrated decisions to name a Santa Ana park and school for their family in time for Chicano Heritage Month.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s an event 80 years in the making, honoring our grandparents after all these years,\u201d Andrew Palomino said. \u201cIt\u2019s an incredibly important moment for our family.\u201d<\/p>\n Gabriel reminded me of the Et Als while I was looking over his story and referred me to Gustavo\u2019s column, which is required reading on the subject, as is Caitlin Yoshiko Kandil\u2019s thoughtful 2016 feature<\/a>.<\/p>\n Even a casual student of O.C. history should take some time this month to read up on the Et Als. <\/p>\n They are not et ceteras.<\/p>\n MORE NEWS Laguna Canyon road.<\/p>\n (Don Leach \/ Daily Pilot)<\/p>\n Laguna Canyon Road gets a long-due $43.9M makeover<\/p>\n A ceremony marked completion of $43.9 million in improvements to Laguna Canyon Road.<\/a> The work aims to reduce fire risk and make the thoroughfare safer.<\/p>\n Crystal Cove Conservancy promotes Hallie Jones to chief executive<\/p>\n In nearby Crystal Cove, the local conservancy announced the promotion of environmentalist Hallie Jones<\/a> to chief executive.<\/p>\n Costa Mesa blasts state housing mandates as overreaching and unreasonable<\/p>\n Costa Mesa is struggling to meet<\/a> a state mandate that would lead to more housing construction. Officials call it well meaning but unrealistic. <\/p>\n Mother\u2019s Market suspends 15 Costa Mesa workers participating in union drive<\/p>\n The flagship store of the popular Costa Mesa grocer suspended more than a dozen workers<\/a> campaigning to unionize.<\/p>\n Anaheim Marriott union wins $2.75 million settlement in recalled workers\u2019 case<\/p>\n In other union-related news, the California Labor Commission secured a $2.75 million settlement<\/a> for Anaheim hotel workers. <\/p>\n What to Do in OC<\/p>\n \ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f Anaheim Packing District to showcase global tastes<\/a> at event dovetailing with D23.![\"Laguna](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1786554849_920_.jpeg\")
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\ud83d\udcfd\ufe0f Disneyland is at a crossroads. New documentary \u2018Worldbuilders\u2019 hints at what\u2019s next<\/a>.
\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f This beloved Orange County restaurant <\/a>is closing after serving 50 years of mai tais.<\/p>\n