Deirdre Kennedy/KQED

Californians Grab a Piece of History

President Obama's first inauguration was a hot ticket back in 2009. The official ceremonies are open to the public, and this time tickets are easier to come by. Thousands of Californians will make the trip to Washington, D.C. this weekend, including a number of educators and students from around the state. We catch up with some of them before they set off.Reporter: Deirdre Kennedy

• More: Inaugural Notebook: 85-Year-Old Charlie Brotman, Official Parade Announcer Since Eisenhower

Suzie Racho/KQED

Freshmen Calif. Congressmembers Settle In

Visitors to Washington this weekend might need some help finding their way around the Capitol -- but they're in good company. California's 53-member Congressional delegation includes 14 freshmen. We sat down with some of them this week, including two who are physicians.

Suzie Racho/KQED

Immigration Reform Tops Policy Agenda

Members of California's Congressional delegation will likely be important voices on an issue President Obama promises to make one of his top priorities in the second term: immigration reform. The November election -- and Latino voters' overwhelming support for President Obama -- was a wake-up call for Republicans.

Courtesy Library of Congress

California Dreaming in the Nation's Capital

The District of Columbia has a booming population. In fact, last year D.C. grew faster than every state except North Dakota. And Washington is full of transplanted Californians. For some, it can be had to say goodbye to the Golden State.

Courtesy Thousand Artists.

Santa Cruz Painter Adds Art to Politics

Four years ago, artist Andrew Purchin was perched on the National Mall with his easel and oil paints as Barack Obama delivered his first words as President of the United States. Purchin will be back for this year's inauguration with a new vision for creating public art.

Susan Valot/KQED

Calif. High School Band Livens Up Inaugural Parade

More than 100 kids from the Coachella Valley are descending on Washington this weekend. They're taking part in Monday's inaugural parade. The kids are part of the "Spirit of the Sands" marching band from Palm Springs High School -- and they're the only contingent from California in the parade.