I'm pretty good at finding good spots using satellite imagery. That's how I found the spot where I get the blue anery's. I have to tell you, the areas around Mugu Lagoon, or Ventura co. game reservation look very promising. Take a look using google maps and set it to satellite view, and zoom in. Looks green and wet. perfect for garters. CA red sided are highly aquatic. You're not going to find them far from water, and much of the time, they're going to be IN the water hunting amphibians.