Fire Update

Much of Northern California spent the week under a thick haze of smoke from more than 1,000 wildfires. The flames scorched tinder dry terrain from the Central Coast to the Oregon border. Exhausted crews are getting help from air tankers, but in many remote canyons and on steep hillsides the fires continue to rage out of control. One of the largest fires is in the Big Sur area south of Monterey. Crews there are doing all they can to protect homes and businesses. Reporter: David Gorn

Water Conservation

The dry winter that's fueling California's wildfires is causing another problem across the state. Water levels are down in reservoirs, prompting Governor Schwarzenegger to declare a drought. Across California, water districts are calling on their customers to conserve. But is conservation the only approach? Reporter: Tamara Keith

CD Review -- Kat Parra

The roots of Latin jazz run deep in California. From Cal Tjader and Poncho Sanchez to John Santos, the Golden State has hosted some of the music's most popular and innovative artists. San Jose-based vocalist Kat Parra is building on that legacy. Jazz critic Andrew Gilbert reviews her new CD.

• More: Myspace: Kat Parra
• More: KatParra.com -- official site

Asian American Politics

Race and identity politics are hot topics this election year. As Barack Obama becomes the first African American to represent a major party in the race for the Oval Office, another historic transformation is quietly taking place here in California. Several Asian American candidates are poised to win seats in the state legislature, while others are running for Congress.

The Roadkill Man

Three million visitors flock to Yosemite each year to enjoy its glorious beauty. Tourists driving through the park often rush from one beautiful sight to the next -- and end up running over wildlife. One man is on a quest to save critters from that unpleasant end. We spend an afternoon with a naturalist otherwise known as The Roadkill Man. Reporter: Sasha Khokha

• More: Photo Slideshow -- Ride along with Moose the roadkill researcher