These people aren't my version of breeders. And it takes knowing the right questions and reading between the lines to know if you are getting what you intend to or not. Yes, I was taken at least once... $20 each per straight run chick that ended up being mixed breed at best. 
Thank you so much for connecting me with that site! I had actually looked into them many years ago and forgot about them! I will definitely be considering all you have told meHi, hope you are enjoying BYC!
I do happen to be in Ca and also breed some chickens. But I'm way up north.. which IS a beautiful drive!
Anyways... what I really want to do is offer a word of caution.
Many so called "breeders" are in fact breeding from hatchery stock. Some don't cull their parent stock for any faults. And many are lying about being pure blood or even the correct breed at all. In addition to that... beware of those that hatch under a broody and ruthlessly steal the chicks.
Many will not be NPIP certified, which is no guarantee anyways... but it does help to avoid bringing certain diseases to your place. Always ask when was the last time they added birds, as they may have added disease that hasn't yet presented. Though Marek's cannot be passed to hatching eggs.. other things like MC/MG can... which can impact your flock for a long period to come.
And if you get chicks from any breeder they will be straight run so you will have to have a plan for any extra boys you get. Obviously not true if you buy pullets or hens. So couple of benefits to ordering from hatchery is WAY less possibility of bringing unknown parasites (mites, lice) or illness to your place. And they are usually pretty good at actually being female.
I haven't ordered from them and their stock is pricey for my blood... but you often get what you pay for. Anyways, they are in the general bay area and have lots of good breeds to choose from in addition to being NPIP... I have considered ordering from them and therefor will go ahead and recommend them in case they haven't made it onto your radar...
https://www.alchemistfarm.com/
One other thing I have seen.. is people order and raise hatchery chicks and sell them. Anybody who doesn't ask may assume these came from their own stock even though they never tried to misrepresent themselves.
I hope this is useful information. I don't mean to fear monger disease or liars, just put them out as things to be considered. Ask lots of questions. If they get vague... avoid them.
Also, if you have a particular breed of interest... look at as many chick pics as you can if you're getting chicks. Simply being familiar with what they should look like for the intended breed can save some frustration.
Anybody who raises a specific breed will usually talk passionately about it.
