Hey, I realize Phoenix isn't part of California, but ironically it is closer to Socal than Norcal. I know RoxyRoo made it out to AX.
Anyways, if you want to keep up to date on things happening in California, please feel free to join the California costuming group!
Unfortunately I'm still a bit too far to help out on projects, but if you guys ever make it out to SDCC or other west coast conventions, it'd be great to meet up!