Mercury News Photo

Eric Lambert spreads the art of Japanese swordsmanship.

A quinceanera dream comes true.

Eric Rosenberg, 14, has been ballroom dancing for over nine years.

Jasen Martinez has been collecting toys for over 25 years.

East Palo Alto: a city’s struggle

Table tennis National Team Trials

Passionate about their sport, these Lady Sharks are devoted athletes who live for the thrills on the ice.

Sammie Cate Demera, 5, has a passion for chickens.

Ear Picking in Vietnam.

Caught in a budget meltdown, the state is forcing schools to abandon one of the most popular education reforms — smaller class sizes.

InnVision at the Commercial Street needs a new computer lab.

A San Bruno family celebrates Christmas despite tough circumstances.

Migrant children in China face an uphill battle for education.

Every Saturday, train enthusiasts gather at Santa Clara Railroad Depot to watch and run model trains.

From early childhood, Amanda Madrid moved from one foster care family to another. At 22 she is putting her life together.

David Middlebrook explains the passion behind his art.