In Focus: Staff photos from Nov. 30 to Dec. 6
Workers test the 11,000 lights on a 52-foot-tall Christmas tree at L.A. Live. Much of the second phase of the $2.5-billion entertainment district opens this weekend. (Gary Friedman/Los Angeles Times)
Christina Aguilera sings the seven-decade-old “I Loves You Porgy” at the Grammys nomination announcement and concert at the Nokia Theatre. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
At the break of dawn, Los Angeles firefighters mop up after fighting a stubborn fire that destroyed a two-story commercial building downtown. The fire at Yoni Distributors, 963 E. 11th St., was reported just after 4:30 a.m., drawing 150 firefighters to the scene. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Treavon Henry, 20, carries 3-week-old twins Kody and Kory to the motel where he, his girlfriend and the babies will spend the night after receiving a voucher from the Lancaster Community Shelter. The city is hoping a new solar plant will provide jobs for the community. (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Viewers at Mann’s Chinese in Hollywood had players (and cheerleaders) virtually jumping into their laps as the NFL invited football fans to watch the San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders in 3D. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Joe McKnight, who scored USC’s second touchdown on a 55-yard run, tries to evade Notre Dame’s David Bruton, left, and Sergio Brown on a punt return. The Trojans won 38-3. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Children from Immaculate Heart of Mary Preschool are led across a street during their walk in Los Angeles. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Fourth-grade teacher Shannon Garrison, 34, at Solano Avenue Elementary near Chinatown hugs student Kelly Gong after receiving the Milken Family Foundation award of $25,000 for her exceptional work as an educator. She was one of two Los Angeles Unified teachers awarded the honor by the Santa Monica- based foundation. Literacy coach and coordinator Dana Stephens, 43, of Colfax Elementary in North Hollywood was also recognized. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Accompanied by sea gulls, Ron Ringlien takes a stroll through the fog along the Seal Beach Pier. Ringlien, who walks the structure daily, says he enjoys the city’s scenic beauty: “It’s one of the best places in the world to live.” (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A rare conjunction of the waxing crescent moon with the two brightest planets in the sky -- Venus, bottom, and Jupiter -- shines in the southern sky above Los Angeles City Hall. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)