This is INCREDIBLY helpful - I appreciate you so much!! 🥹
If you are not looking for a full frame, you might try the Fuji X-T3 or X-T4 (I personally experimented with the latter and liked the results. Fuji's colors and tones are often so great out of camera very little touching up is needed).
A good friend of mine who knows cameras better than me also mentioned the Lumix G6 or S5ii.
Canon 7 II mirrorless might be a good option too. Here is a good bundle deal:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1324642-REG/sony_ilce7m2k_b_ac_alpha_a7_ii_mirrorless.html
If you are looking to capture landscapes though, some higher price point full frame cameras will give you better results.
An easy way to experiment is to rent a couple bodies and lenses. It can get pricey but is a helpfull way of testing options before buying. I've used lensrentals.com for a number of years now.
Hope this helps!
Discussion
Hope you find something that works for you! California has no shortage of natural beauty to capture.
I will keep you updated! I have some fun travel scheduled for this year so I want to get my practice with California