Infuriated, Gonzalo Mendez met with the school concerning the racial discrimination. He was given the same unjust and unfair reasoning as Soledad. Seeking to push for a change, the Mendez family needed help to fulfill it. A produce truck driver named Henry Rivera suggested David Marcus as a lawyer because he has experience with desegregation cases. Gonzalo took the advice and hired him.
Sandra Robbie's, Mendez v. Westminster; For All the Children
David Marcus, Civil Rights Attorney. Digitalcommons.chapman.edu
David Marcus would regularly travel around with Mr. Mendez looking for support in the case. His practice specialized in immigration and criminal law. He had been involved in the Lopez v. Seccombe case, and took initiative to stop the discrimination and unlawful rulings of the City of San Bernadino. This case involved Mexican-American people being denied access to the San Bernadino Pool. These were also well-respected individuals in the Orange County community, such as Ignacio López who was a scholarly, full American Citizen.
Soledad Vidaurri along with Gonzalo and Mr. and Mrs. Peña were chosen to be the official court representatives. The Mendezes also found four other families to help them win this case. These families were the Estradas, the Guzmans, the Palominos, and the Ramirezs.
Sylvia Mendez, The Face of The Case, 1946. Ca-times.brightspotcdn.com