California on Vice

Californians Are Dying to Go to Colma

Colma is a tiny town south of San Francisco, where nearly 2 million people are buried. Colma, which spans about two miles from one side to the other, is a necropolis. Necropolis is a word derived from the Greek term 'nekropolis,' which translates to "city of the dead." Full story

The Dos and Don'ts of Coachella

This was my third time attending Coachella, so by now I've seen it all—from Rave Dad to a technologically reincarnated Tupac Shakur. For those of you who are going for the first time next week, or are just insane and returning for week two, here are some tips to making it out of… Full story

Taji's Mahal

Ben Kilpatrick's Tri-Coastal Photography

For this week's Mahal, I got to talk with Ben Kilpatrick about what it is like to travel the country, photographing on and off his skateboard. Check out some of his most recent work and read our conversation about how NYC and LA inspire different kinds of creativity. Full story

Tubesteak

The Red Marriage Equality Sign on Your Facebook Profile Is Completely Useless

It's a big week in the fight for “marriage equality,” which is what most gay activists want us to call gay marriage. Right now gay activism needs all the help it can get. Know what’s not helping? Changing your Facebook profile picture to a silly red-and-pink equal sign. Full story

Living, Learning, and Going Long with Gypsy Boots, America’s First Hippie

I met Gypsy Boots in 1970, before I knew he was the nationally famous founder of the hippie movement, and became friends with him in 1995, nine years before America's archetypal holy fool passed away. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about him—what he meant to history and what he… Full story

John Kilar's Photos Will Get You Thrown in Jail

John Kilar, the photographer who took the pictures for "Venice Beach Is a Paradise," let me have a look at his portfolio. I'm now seriously considering flying to California and committing some kind of minor crime, just so I can stay there for a couple of years. Full story

Teenage Evangelical Skaters in California's Desolate Exurbs Shred with Jesus

Lanky, lovable goofs Garrison and Kevin love Crass, skateboarding, changing their haircut and color, and Jesus. 'Only the Young,' a new documentary, follows the sweetest kids you'll ever meet. Full story

Venice Beach Is a Paradise

If Los Angeles is the place where dreams go to die, Venice Beach seems to be the neighborhood where the nightmares of old curmudgeons come to life. Terrify the life out of your parents by sending them John Kilar's photos and telling them they're your holiday snaps. Full story

Question of the Day

How Do You Feel About Condoms in Your Porn?

California's controversial Measure B forces porn stars to wrap their P's in C's before sticking them into V's, B's, or what have you. How do ordinary people feel about that? Full story

Weediquette

You Sell Me Drugs, but Are We Friends?

With decriminalization of pot comes the death of a ceremony that I hold so dear. Having weed delivered becomes like having Chinese food delivered, and you sure as hell wouldn’t want your delivery guy to eat a wonton with you before he left. Full story