Annie Choi

"Still New" by Danny Ivan (Portugal)

In a city built for cars, a look one family’s complex commute

Los Angeles is associated with vehicular gridlock, that bumper-to-bumper traffic that never seems to end. But at least those stuck impatiently tapping their fingers on the steering wheel have a car.

For Carmen Mendoza and her family, the daily bus commute piles onto their 15-hour days, sometimes including eight or nine buses between their trips to work, school and back home. That’s not to say that she resents a thing. For Carmen, it’s all about helping her kids.

Nicole is still tired, and Andy seems to be sleep-walking, but to look at their mother, you wouldn’t know the hour was so indecent. She has bounce in her step, and there is something expectant in her eyes.

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"I want them to have not just a good education, but other opportunities," Mendoza says.

Read along as columnist Steve Lopez accompanies the family on their commute.