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.

Berkeley, California, could become the first US city to tax sugary drinks. The Berkeley City Council unanimously decided to put the 1-cent-per-ounce tax on the ballot this year.

‘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.

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.

Explore the USA by bike on one of these great cycle trails.

Kiwis are thriving in America's wine country paradise, discovers Leena Tailor.

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.

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.

Famed for its incredibly long pier, which surfers love surfing alongside, Huntington Beach has plenty to keep visitors entertained ...

Sharon Stephenson explores part of San Francisco that couldn't be further from the glamour of the America's Cup village.

Aerial trams and cable cars take visitors up mountains, over rivers and above cities, and sometimes these cable cars are the destination themselves.

The Pacific Coast sand stretches 5.6km between Venice Beach and Malibu and the well-heeled town of Santa Monica sits in the middle facing the best sunsets in California, writes Megan Singleton.

The drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco is only about six hours, but with so much to see on the way, you could make a week of it.

A tour of San Francisco becomes a day of history lessons and surf stories when Duncan Gillies discovers his guide, musician Chuck Prophet, is a fellow surfer.

Love the lush and lovely Napa Valley but hate how expensive it can be? You're not the first. Here are some tips to experience it on the cheap.