California is faced with a double whammy of high temperatures and low rainfall exacerbated by an atmospheric pattern that for three years straight has diverted winter storms away.

Megan Singleton suggests a string of California adventures to try.

Many electronic and miscellaneous objects are never fully turned "off," and thus consume power all the time.

Less than an hour's drive from San Francisco is Napa's Sonoma County, where Megan Singleton sips, cooks and walks.

Visiting the Happiest Place on Earth is better with a plan, advises Shandelle Battersby.

A Chicago to San Francisco journey gives Pamela Wade time to eat, relax ... and talk.

As his daughter is left star-struck by the princesses of Disneyland, Winston Aldworth finds his Frozen heart melts.

The wife of Hollywood executive Alan Ladd Jr has become the latest woman to accuse Bill Cosby of sexual assault: 'I didn't discuss it with anyone for 36 years.'

The family of a New Zealander who died trying to save a dive boat during a storm is travelling to the California island he called home.

New Zealand surfer watches in horror as his friend is dragged under the water by a great white shark off a Californian beach.

It is a quarter of a century since Straight Outta Compton, the seminal gangsta rap album, made a 25 sq km area of Los Angeles synonymous with gang violence and murder.

The US Pacific coast's most ferocious storm in years has moved south, bringing hurricane force winds and heavy downpours to southern California one day after claiming two lives in the Northwest.

Police have clashed with protesters in California on the fourth night of demonstrations across the United States against recent killings of African American suspects by white police.

It might seem the stuff of science fiction, but a mind-reading device is being developed by scientists which can eavesdrop on your inner voice.

Got a spare few hours before flying out of LAX? Try this hub of food and fun, writes Jesse Mulligan.

Danielle McGrane has some tips to help with starlet spotting in Hollywood.

Aucklander Scott Dixon ended the IndyCar season with a second placing in the season finale in Fontana, California yesterday to finish in fifth place on the final standings.

Old-school sophistication or new and hip? Zoe Walker gets a taste of the evolving restaurant and bar scene in wider Palm Springs.

Leena Tailor meets Bill Nancarrow, the unofficial Kiwi wine ambassador in the famous Napa Valley.

California's Sunset Strip, known for its giant billboards, celebrity hot spots and rock clubs, is getting a makeover.

If you're planning a family holiday in this Californian city, be sure to check out these highlights.

Even in the magical kingdom, tempers can flare, writes Megan Singleton.

The Mental Health Foundation has received an unprecedented number of calls following the death of comedian Robin Williams.

The angels sing for Leena Tailor as she pairs good wine with good food.

Put a serious dent in your wallet at one of these top shopping haunts.