In Focus: Staff photos from Dec. 28 to Jan. 3

The city of Torrance chose a scene from “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” for its 55th entry in the event, and won the Tournament Volunteers Trophy for best floral design of parade theme on a float 35 feet or under. The “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party,” built by Fiesta Parade Floats, featured depictions of the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat and the Dormouse, accompanied by a Torrance resident playing Alice.  (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

USC’s Ronald Johnson shows off after catching a touchdown pass in the second quarter of the Rose Bowl game against Penn State.  (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

A snowboarder catches air above Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains. Packed powder, sunshine and holiday vacation season drew thousands of people to the slopes.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

New LAPD Officer Carl Lurvey, 22, of Torrance watches his hat and others sail into the air at a graduation ceremony at the Police Academy in Elysian Park. Forty-two LAPD officers, four Los Angeles World Airport officers and one Los Angeles Port Police officer graduated.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Zeke Munoz loads a bag of bird seed for a customer at Kruse Feed & Supply, one of the last remnants of the San Gabriel Valley’s agricultural past until it closed at the end of the year.

Complete story.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Bryan Marsh, 24, of North Hollywood, demonstrates his acrobatic skills by doing headstands while attempting to catch a Frisbee at North Hollywood Park.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Denver Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal tries to make a catch while being defended by San Diego Chargers defensive back Steve Gregory. The ball slipped away, and so did Denver’s playoff hopes; the Chargers defeated the Broncos, 52-21, and won the AFC West championship in the process.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)