NPR People: Ina Jaffe

Republicans hope to reduce the Democratic majority in the Senate in November, and one of their targets is California's famously liberal Barbara Boxer. She is a three-term incumbent whose job approval has dipped below 50 percent. California Republicans heard from their leading contenders for the U.S. Senate over the weekend, all claiming to have the best chance to beat Boxer.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger skipped his state's Republican convention this weekend in Silicon Valley. But two candidates hoping to succeed him were there and working hard to win over conservative activists.

Teacher layoff's in the Los Angeles school system have hit inner city schools especially hard, and more layoff notices are being sent out this week. Markham Middle School in Watts has lost at least half its faculty since the last round of layoffs. In many cases, school officials haven't been able to find new full-time teachers and have to rely on subs.

In 1964, a young Martin Sheen played the role of a solider who returned from World War II only to confront the private war between his parents. Now, more than 40 years later, Sheen reappears in Frank Gilroy's Pulitzer Prize-winning play — but this time around, he's the dad.

The latest tale of financial crisis in California is playing out in Los Angeles, which faces a budget shortfall approaching $1 billion. Unless the city can find a remedy, it may be insolvent soon. Across the city, people are already feeling the impact of budget cuts.

The debate over repealing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy has prompted two gay service members to step forward with their stories. One was an officer who served for eight years and did a tour in Iraq. Another was a former member of the Air Force who says he would re-enlist if "don't ask" were repealed — but he doesn't hold out much hope that will happen.

Drought-plagued southern California has received nearly a year's worth of rain in a week after heavy winter storms pounded the region. The worst is over, but there's a lingering danger that mudslides could devastate neighborhoods near the areas burned in last fall's wildfires.

One year ago, on the eve of President Obama's inauguration, NPR's Ina Jaffe traveled to Louisville, Ky., to ride a D.C.-bound bus with supporters of the nation's first African-American president. Now, she's returned to Louisville to hear how folks reflect on their journey and that of the nation.

People flying into U.S. airports are dealing with extra scrutiny in the wake of the attempted attack on a plane bound for Detroit on Christmas Day. Passengers in New York's JFK Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and Detroit react to the new security measures.

California Assemblyman Van Tran will likely run against seven-term incumbent Loretta Sanchez for the 47th Congressional District seat. He is the first Vietnamese-American to serve in a state legislature, and is one of the Republican Party's top prospects for new voices in 2010.

As companies go to great lengths to find nonpolluting energy sources, Solaren Corp. is preparing to go 22,000 miles, to trap solar power in orbit around the Earth. With the blessing of California regulators, it already has its first client: Pacific Gas and Electric Co.

California roads once were the envy of the world. But like a lot of things in the Golden State these days, they’re not what they used to be. Federal Highway Administration data show that of the 20 major urban areas with the worst roadway conditions, eight are in California, with 64 percent in "poor condition."

Not everyone who has been put away for 25 years to life under California's three strikes law has committed a violent crime, including two people convicted of stealing. Both challenged the law — and while one was released, the other wasn't as lucky.

Under California's three strikes sentencing law, criminals' fate may depend as much on where they're arrested as on what they're arrested for. Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley, who supports the law, almost never charges a nonviolent offense as a third strike. But 100 miles north in Kern County, District Attorney Ed Jagels almost always does.

California voters passed the nation's strictest three strikes law in 1994. The "third strike" carries a mandatory 25 years to life. Mike Reynolds, whose daughter was murdered in 1992, brought the ballot initiative and has fought to uphold it since. But Sue Reams, whose son is in prison because of it, is working for change.