Latest fromCalifornia

Precision flying helps snuff out wildfire
Get nervous flying? Then perhaps you should not look when this precision DC-10 pilot drops fire retardant on a California wildfire.

Teen comes out on Disneyland ride
A teenage girl used a famous Disneyland ride to make an important announcement to her family.

Kiwi dad dies in freak incident in US
A 58-year-old New Zealand man is dead after he was struck by a vehicle while working on a manhole.

'Scariest thing I've ever done'
If you're scared of heights then this new Skyslide in Los Angeles might not be for you.

Making the most of your L.A. stopover
With American Airlines launching its new direct service from Auckland to Los Angeles this weekend, there's never been a better time to soak up some Californian sunshine.

Five places to stop on LA's Expo line
Los Angeles' long-awaited Metro Expo line extension now connects Downtown to Santa Monica, meaning you no longer need a car to get around and see the sights.

'Sorry, my first kill was clumsy'
Two brothers have been arrested on suspicion of murdering their parents, who were found shot dead in their California home next to a chilling note.

Five great restaurants in Santa Monica
Heavy emphasis on seasonal, sustainable menu inspired by local farmers, fisherman and artisan producers.

Los Angeles: Not just glitz and glamour
While the city remains the entertainment and movie capital of the world, it also has many world class museums.

Los Angeles: Tarot cards and temporary tatts
Venice Beach is distinctively Californian and a must see area of Los Angeles, Chris Lynch says.

Californian state of mind
While one part of California dries out, Shandelle Battersby gets soaked in another.

Writing's in the sky for Trump
Five planes flew over the annual Rose Parade in California, writing messages in the sky that included "Trump is disgusting. Anybody but Trump, US".

Why women become killers
Before the assailants opened fire at a holiday party in San Bernardino on Thursday, they left their 6-month-old baby with her grandmother.

'Why do you need to own a machine gun?'
Wellington-based New Zealand American Association chairman Larry Keim is appalled by the shootings and says the United States' gun laws must be tightened up.

How Twitter reacted - #guncontrol
At least 14 people are dead and 17 injured after the shooting at a disability center in California.

Christmas party 24 hours before tragedy
A centre for the developmentally disabled had just hosted a children's Christmas party the day before the tragedy.

California shooting: What you need to know
At least 12 people are dead and up to 20 injured after gunmen opened fire in California on Thursday. Here's what we know so far.

Los Angeles: Flirting with Spider-Man
Shandelle Battersby dreams a California dream in the front row at the Dolby Theatre.

Beverly Hills cops fine
It is the first time California officials have imposed fines on communities that have failed to meet conservation goals imposed because of the state's crippling four-year drought.

California: The king and his castle
The legacy of a former newspaper magnate lives on at San Simeon, writes Shandelle Battersby.

For him, the bells toll
Shandelle Battersby finds the jewel of the missions along California's King's Highway.

Teen knocks out bully with one punch
A California teenager who rushed to help a blind classmate being beaten up by a bully has been kicked off the football team.

Santa Monica: Relax to the hippie vibe
A friendly year-round climate makes Santa Monica a hit with locals as well as tourists, writes Tess Nichol.

San Diego: The sunshine state
It's always the perfect time to catch a wave or linger on the sidewalk in this city.

Disneyland: Trip to the light fantastic
To mark 60 years, Disneyland has conjured up spectacular parades and fireworks, writes Peter Mitchell.

Los Angeles: Between Knott's and Disneyland
Winston Aldworth checks out the differences between two great theme parks.

Plenty brewing in Anaheim
Anaheim has a serious beer scene brewing. By the end of the year, the Orange County city will be home to more than a dozen breweries.

California: Take me to the County
In Orange County, Shandelle Battersby swaps fast food for fresh, sophisticated cuisine.

Paint to repel public peeing
Late night revellers may think nothing of relieving themselves in public and now some walls are fighting back against the disgusting habit.