Just an addition to all the good information for your trip in California. Be sure to ask if there are any TFRs ( Temporary Flight Restrictions ) during your weather briefing. After 9-11 these were put in place around many areas, especially Washington D.C., Nuclear power plants, and other sensitive areas. It would be best to not loiter around power plants, dams, and the like either. That may cause some concern from the ground.
As a former Search and Rescue pilot in California I would also add to be careful in the mountain passes or crossing over the mountains. They can generate some very nasty winds, turbulence, and downdrafts. There are many wrecks littered around those mountains from pilots with not enough respect for mother nature or knowledge of their aircraft performance capabilities.
Camarillo and Chino are good places to go if you want to see some warbirds. Chino is home to Planes of Fame West, while Camarillo now has the Commemoritive Air Force, Confederate sounded better
Santa Barbara is always a wonderful flight up the coast as well.
Have fun,
Typhoonpilot