When it comes to civil liberties, ACLU veterans Elinson and Yogi know that of which they speak. In this comprehensive volume, the authors apply that knowledge to the history of civil liberties in California, and show how the efforts of brave individuals have led to the growth of freedom and equality in the Golden State. While some of the struggles in the book are well known, such as the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and the Free Speech Movement at the University of California during the 1960s, the authors also introduce readers to the less familiar stories of Chinese immigrants who fought against racist and xenophobic laws in the 19th century; the Mexican immigrants (and Mexican Americans) who, in the 1920s and 1930s, were run out of Los Angeles under the guise of legal "repatriation" to their "home" south of the border; and the activists who fought against the red-hunting House Un-American Activities Committee during the 1950s. The authors bring their account into the present day, with an epilogue on Californians' opposition to the PATRIOT Act and other post-9/11 infringements on civil liberties. Well written and authoritative, Wherever There's a Fight is a major contribution to the history of civil liberties in the U.S. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)