I'm from Santa Barbara / Santa Maria originally -- the Central Coast area is very low key and laid back. As Mecks said, Santa Barbara is a "college town". You're right by the beach, but a drive away from the mountains if you want to snowboard.
I'm not too familiar with the Sacramento area...
If possible, try getting them (or have someone get them for you) from a college. When I used to attend CSUN they sold 'em for $69 (it was that "buy a day get the rest of the year free" deal too).