El Tecolote (which means "The Owl") has chronicled every bit of change in the Mission since it was first published 40 years ago. In those 40 years, the newspaper has amassed a staggering photo collection of the political, cultural and social changes that have swept the neighborhood, which they are putting on glorious display in "Imagining the Mission: Pasado, Presente, Futuro" at the Mission Cultural Center this month.

The photos, taken by past and present El Tecolote staff as well as local kids, show a community forging a strong identity that has become a truly unique and inextricable part of this ever-changing city. 

The opening reception is tomorrow from 6-9:30 pm at the Mission Cultural Center, and costs a mere $5. If you love the Mission, you've got to know how it came to be.

2868 Mission St. between 24th and 25th, (415) 821-1155

Photo via the Mission Cultural Center's website.