THE world is getting smaller and more disconnected at the same time. That paradox is true locally, where dozens of small cities uniquely serve their residents within the greater Los Angeles megalopolis. Falling through the cracks are islands of unincorporated land, such as those around the southern part of West Covina.

Nogales High School, tucked away in a no-man's land between Valley Boulevard and Nogales Street and surrounded by city on three sides, suffers from personna nongrata status. It lacks a strong connection to community -- that town-and-gown marriage that benefits so many other high schools.