Sep. 28, 2020
Racism, birthers and the rule of law in early California
A 19th century decision by the California Supreme Court is a tribute to those who stood against anti-Mexican racism.
Michael L. Stern
Judge (ret.)
Harvard Law, Boalt Hall
Judge Stern worked at the CRLA Santa Maria office from 1972 to 1975. He is chair of the Los Angeles County Superior Court Historical Committee.
The year 1863 marked an important turning point in California. Since attaining statehood in 1850, the rush of gold-frenzied miners seeking to strike it rich had waned. A new wave of Yankees intent on building an economy based on agriculture and commerce was arriving.
The newcomers' entrepreneurial spirit was not shared by the native Spanish-speaking Californios, proud interrelated families with names like Alvarado, Sepulveda and Pico...
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