and Vernon with Artesia being the southern terminus.

Chantelle continues to bring Charotte because she feels ALA is more “close knit and family friendly” than other conventions.such as the ribbon collecting and trading.

attendees can earn ribbons through quests and stations.Amidst the Santa Ana winds and devastating fires in SoCal.”MARIE SEKIGUCHI / RAFU SHIMPOTrading for a ribbon from @goozeepins.

and keep some of the traditions from cons a decade ago.It’s a special asset of ALA that other cons seem to offer less and less.

and a variety of guests could be easily spotted – from the youngest child to an old-timer nostalgic for Gundam and Pokémon.

it definitely has its own charms.or perhaps from across the country.

or ask about interesting sites or places to eat or buy Japanese items.and even from around the world! It is our hope that our friendly smiles and interactions make them feel more welcome and that their visit to Little Tokyo is a positive one.

By BILL WATANABEA group of volunteers from the Little Tokyo Historical Society (LTHS) spends Sunday afternoons at the Little Tokyo Koban (Visitors Center) during the summer months.———-Bill Watanabe writes from Silver Lake near Downtown Los Angeles and can be contacted at billwatanabe@earthlink.