Worst case, Marti, you COULD grow it in a pot... I've done it here in VA with success. They're such interesting plants, aren't they? I used to travel to the Ventura/Oxnard area on a regular basis - miss it!
You'll love living there!
BTW, I don't think you can bring ANY plant in soil across the state line into California. Seeds or a local source once you get there would be your best option.
