photography by LA Daily News Photographer Hans Gutknecht
Jamie and Jasmine Vargas's dog Mimi looks on while the couple decorates their home for their annual 4th of July neighborhood celebration in Van Nuys Tuesday June 30, 2009. (Hans Gutknecht/LA Daily News)
The sunsets as Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman James Loney #7 waits for the pitch during their game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles Monday June 29, 2009. (Hans Gutknecht/LA Daily News)
People watch skateboarders during the grand opening of the new Paul Rodriguez Skate Park at Ritchie Valens Recreation Center in Pacoima.
California Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center resident Mary Helen Harris gets a hug from sister Marry Elizabeth Harris during their reunion at the Van Nuys health care facility. Harris had not seen her children or sister for twenty years. Gohar Pttyana, a social worker at the center, used the Internet to track down her children and arranged the reunion. (Hans Gutknecht/LA Daily News)
A sea of Laker fans stands outside the the Staples Center as busses carrying the Lakers pass by during the Lakers Parade in Los Angeles. (Hans Gutknecht/LA Daliy News)
Los Angeles Police SWAT officers take a burglary suspect in to custody on the southbound 405 Freeway at Roscoe Blvd. in North Hills, CA. A pair of suspects were apparently stealing copper wire from a warehouse in the area when LAPD officers arrived on scene. One man was arrested and the other fled in to a storm drain where he was cornered. The man refused to exit the storm drain for almost 12 hours before giving up and being taken in to custody. (Hans Gutknecht/LA Daily News)
Sweetwater lead singer Nancy Nevins at home in Tujunga CA. (Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer)
People light fires in the streets during the out of control Lakers celebration near the Staples Center. (Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer)
Laker fans celebrate their team's NBA championship outside the Staples Center after their team defeated the Orlando Magic in Orlando. (Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer)
El Circo De La Chilindrina performer David Martinez does a handstand on top of the on the big top tent for at El Cariso Park in Sylmar. The bilingual circus will be at the park June 11-15 with performances starting at 7:30 PM on Thursday and Friday and 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. (Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer)
Alemany's Adriana Sanchez tags out Westlake's Melissa Preish at second base on a steal attempt during the 4th Annual San Fernando Valley All-Star softball game at Birmingham High School. (Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer)
Granada Hills High School's Dominic Plata returns the ball as teammate Aaron Goodwein stands at the net during their CIF City Section Boys Doubles Tennis Championship match at the Balboa Sports Complex in Encino Monday. (Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer)
Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol #16 reacts after hitting two key free throws in overtime against the Orlando Magic during game two of the NBA Finals at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The Lakers defeated the Magic 101-96. (Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer)
Edgar Partida demonstrates his skateboarding skill at Sylmar Recreation Center Friday afternoon. (Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer)
Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant #24 knocks the ball away from Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard #12 in the second quarter during game one of the NBA Finals at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. (Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer)
Thousand Oaks High School's Denis Lin reacts his match against University High School's Matt Siow during the CIF Southern Section Division I Boys Team Tennis Championships at the Claremont Club in Claremont Ca. (Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer)
David B Sharp, left, and sons Spencer and Aaron created their own comedy Sveener and the Shmiel, which will be screening at the Dances With Film film festival. (Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer)
Los Angeles Police and Fire Department personnel investigate the scene of a fatal accident on Louise Avenue at Valerio Street in Van Nuys Monday June 1, 2009. A female bicyclist was struck and killed by truck under contract to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Paramedics sent to the 7400 block of Louise Avenue about 12:10 p.m. pronounced the woman, in her 30s, dead at the scene, said Devin Gales of the Los Angeles Fire Department. (Hans Gutknecht/Daily News)