Dozens of students at John O’Connell High School gather during their lunch break to wage war against each other on a small board. The skills they’re picking up from playing routine chess games are turning out to be more practical than they thought.
A swap meet aficionado, the Mission’s outdoor markets and Latino community remind Alicia of her family’s weekly swap meet outings at home, in southeast Los Angeles, where she is always on the lookout for hidden treasures.
More by Alicia Avila

This is a beautifully done and inspiring piece, Ms. Avila! Great work.
yes well done alicia………