In focus: Staff photos from Sept. 7 to Sept. 13

IMAGE: A mural of Pope John Paul II brightens a dark alley near L.A.’s MacArthur Park. A growing coalition of researchers, planners and government leaders sees potential environmental and public health benefits from refurbished alleys.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

STAYING PUT: A memorial of plastic flowers, candles and his name spelled out with seashells remembers Paul Gomez, an 11-year-old believed to have drowned here in late August. In the distance, his family’s campsite, which they refuse to abandon until the body is found.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

HEAVENLY: Francisco Rodriguez reacts after striking out Hideki Matsui to earn his 56th save for the American League West-champion Angels.  (Karen Tapia / Los Angeles Times)

TAKING THE PLUNGE: Outfielder Reggie Willits gets dunked in a tub after the Angels defeated the New York Yankees, 4-2. They clinched their fourth American League West Division crown in five years.  (Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times)

DISTRAUGHT: Gregory Stewart is pulled away after learning that his wife and three daughters, ages 8, 12 and 14, were found dead inside their house in the Fair Sky Estates subdivision of Lancaster after it was gutted by fire. “It just doesn’t add up,” he said.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

EATS: The Community Redevelopment Agency says goats are a cheaper, more environmentally friendly way to clear weeds.  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

PROTEST COMES TO AN END: Demonstrators try to console each other moments after four tree sitters were removed from a redwood located in a small grove near the University of California’s Memorial Stadium.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

A TRIBUTE: Flowers are placed on a memorial honoring Jamiel Shaw II, who was fatally shot near his home in March, near the corner of 5th and 21st streets.  (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

GENE POOLING: Canadian baritone Daniel Okulitch has the title role in the Los Angeles Opera production of “The Fly” at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. The production is being directed by David Cronenberg and is based on his 1986 film of the same title.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

OFF THE LIP: Australian Taj Burrow goes airborne off a wave during his finals matchup with Kelly Slater. Slater, the eight-time world champion, beat Burrow by a fraction of a point at the Boost Mobile Pro surfing championship at Lower Trestles.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)