Fire Update

Fire fighters are battling at least four wildfires in California today. The worst is a blaze in Butte County north of Sacramento, where more than 20,000 acres have burned. Much of the town of Paradise has been evacuated and all roads to it are now closed. More than 4,000 structures are threatened and least 40 homes have been destroyed. Guest: Lorraine Dechter, news director of public radio station KCHO in Chico.

The Business of Gay Marriage

Wedding bells won't be the only things ringing as gay couples exchange vows next week. Some businesses are also hoping to hear their cash registers ringing. In fact, the extension of marriage rights to same-sex couples is expected to be a huge economic boon to California. Event planners, caterers, florists and jewelers are scrambling to accommodate a huge new market of potential newlyweds. Reporter: Peter Jon Shuler

Marriage Commentary

For same-sex couples from some immigrant communities, wedding plans may not be in line with traditional family expectations. But commentator Sandip Roy says for some parents, marriage -- whether gay or straight -- is still better than having a child who's single.

Photographer Bill Owens

For photographer Bill Owens, no subject is too ordinary. Tupperware parties, backyard barbecues and Bible study groups have all been captured by Owens as part of his documentation of middle class California. Owens was born in San Jose and later moved to Livermore, east of San Francisco. In the 1970s he took black and white shots of his suburban friends and neighbors there. His newest collection includes some of those photos with updates on his subjects. We talk with Owens about how suburbia has changed in the 40 years since he first began photographing his community.

• More: Bill Owens' photography (BillOwens.com)

Electric Cars

It's no exaggeration to say that filling up your tank these days hurts. A gallon of self-serve regular gasoline now costs an average of $4.43 in California. As drivers increasingly look toward hybrids and mass transit for some relief, has the time finally come for one car technology that needs no gasoline at all? Reporter: Amy Standen

• More: Photos of electric cars
• More: Reporter's notes