OC School Renamed To Honor Local Trailblazers In Landmark Civil Rights Case

GARDEN GROVE, CA — An Orange County elementary school was renamed to honor two local trailblazers in a historic civcil rights case this past week.

On Thursday, Aug. 6, the Garden Grove Unified School District hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to honor the newly renamed Frank and Irene Palomino Elementary School, formerly known as Rosita Elementary School.

District officials changed the schools name to honor the Palomino family's legacy. Members of the family have lived directly across the street for generations and played a crucial role in desegregation across the state.

Frank and Irene Palomino were among the plaintiffs in the 1946 Mendez et al v. Westminster case — a historic civil rights court case that challenged the segregation of Mexican American students into separate schools across Westminster, Garden Grove, Santa Ana an El Modena.

The Palominos' testimonies helped win the case, ending segregation in California public schools.

"By naming the school after Frank and Irene Palomino, we ensure that their legacy is now and forever woven into the identity of the school and will inspire generations of students to come," Garden Grove Unified School District Superintendent Gabriela Mafi said during the ceremony.