Sholonda Jackson works at Operation Dignity, a nonprofit in Oakland, Calif., that provides housing to homeless veterans. California's Proposition 47 enabled the former crack addict to seek a reduction of her drug felonies to misdemeanors. She has earned a bachelor's degree and is working full time. Marisa Lagos/KQED hide caption
Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones stands next to a illegal aliens sign he had placed in the parking lot of the Butler County Sheriff's Department, Nov. 3, 2005, in Hamilton, Ohio. David Kohl/AP hide caption
A photo from May shows Gino Celli checking his parched crops near his farm near Stockton, Calif. If predictions of a strong El Niño prove true, it could presage a relief from the region's prolonged drought. Rich Pedroncelli/AP hide caption
A firefighter monitors flames from the Rocky Fire as it approaches a home late last month. The wildfire has consumed thousands of acres in just over a week. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption
Enrollment counselor Vue Yang (left) reviews health insurance options for Laura San Nicolas (center), accompanied by her daughter, Geena, 17, at Sacramento Covered in Sacramento, Calif., in February. Rich Pedroncelli/AP hide caption
A town in California's Central Valley plans to transform farmland into an eco-friendly residential community. An artist's rendering shows plans for Kings River Village in Reedley, Calif. Courtesy of the City of Reedley hide caption
Brian Hopson, assistant superintendent at Alameda County Juvenile Hall, stands in one of its many empty units. The 360-bed facility was full when it opened eight years ago, but is now at half capacity. Brett Myers/Youth Radio hide caption
Christy O'Donnell, who has advanced lung cancer, is one of several California patients suing for the right to get a doctor's help with prescription medicine to end their own lives if and when they feel that's necessary. YouTube hide caption
Gov. Jerry Brown of California signed a controversial vaccination bill into law on Tuesday. David McNew/Getty Images hide caption
Filmmaker Christopher Lee attends a 1999 film festival. Elizabeth Sheldon/Courtesy of Elizabeth Sheldon hide caption
Parents and teachers who oppose efforts to end the personal belief exemption on vaccinations rally in Los Angeles on April 14. Irfan Khan/LA Times via Getty Images hide caption
Parents rally against SB 277, a California measure requiring schoolchildren to get vaccinated, outside the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif. Rich Pedroncelli/AP hide caption
A box of vaccine vials sits on a table during a Solano County health fair in 2010 in Vallejo, Calif. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption