Can´t answer any of your q´s.
But, I´ve been to every state in the US except Hawaii and Alaska, and lived in many of them including CA.
And CA is my favorite.
I love LA, and can rent a car and just drive around LA, or head north on PCH to wherever it will take me...
Can´t explain what is about CA, it´s a feeling. The energy.
Good luck with your adventure!!
You gonna love it.