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.

Leena Tailor gets on her bike and works up a taste for Santa Monica fare.

Cloverdale's Friday Night Live is a vibrant, buzzing experience, writes Alex Robertson.

Tesla Motors has halted production at its sole assembly plant for a revamp the company said is necessary to speed Model S output and prepare it to make electric crossovers.

A radical plan to carve up California into six separate states has enough support to be put to a public vote, campaigners say.

Buyers from Greater China spent $22 billion on US homes in the past year, up 72 per cent from the same period in 2013.

The man who became an internet-sensation after his mug shot went viral on social media has had to face court in California, according to multiple media reports.

‘Handsome felon’ Jeremy Meeks has been taken on by a Hollywood talent agent.

A judge ordered an American man who caused a fatal crash on the Coromandel Peninsula to pay $5500 for emotional harm and told him "this will remain with you forever".

US-style pizza caught on here. Now Kiwis' on-the-go meal is doing the same over there, writes Megan Singleton.

An American man was due to fly home with his wife the day after the vehicle he was driving crossed the centre line, hitting and killing an Auckland woman.

There are some great skifields in the States that won't cost you a fortune, writes Jennifer Ennion.

Looking for an unusual place to lay your head on your next holiday? From a trailer park to a school, something on this list should take your fancy.

Eveline Harvey explores some lesser-known California hot spots.

This former mining settlement sits on a windswept plateau in eastern California, some 2500m above sea level. Notorious for lawlessness in its heyday, it's now an isolated ghost town whose buildings have been left to the elements.

For further information see: parks.ca.gov.

Plan a trip to one of these wonderful gardens next time you're Stateside.

America's favourite summer pastime can be a hypnotic experience, writes Dylan Cleaver.

Palm Springs is party-town again, writes Leena Tailor.

If you're a water baby like Megan Singleton, there's lots to do in California's Marina del Rey.

As America's oldest highway marks its centenary, Chris Moss rounds up the options for a US fly-drive.

The alternative spirit is seeping across the bay to Oakland, a once down-at-heel city that's on the up, says Christian Koch.

US police say speed was a factor in the crash which killed 'Fast & Furious' star Paul Walker and his companion north of Los Angeles yesterday.

Paul Walker, the star of the 'Fast & Furious movie series, has died in a car crash that killed one other person north of Los Angeles, his publicist said.

Jesse Mulligan experiences destination dining at its finest - and most expensive.

Hollywood is the city of dreams and nightmares for many a wannabe actor seeking fame and fortune.

Disney fans are flocking to the amusement park in droves following its five-year, US$1.4 billion upgrade.