First suggestion..... move out of CA
on a serious note, CA does have a lot of restrictions, so check into it (I know you can't have more than a 10 round magazine capacity).
What is your primary use for it? I'm a big fan of the Smith & Wesson M&P series (comes in 9mm, .357 auto, .40S&W and .45ACP). Very accurate and reliable, and made in the USA
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One of the arguements between 9mm, 40, 45 etc is magazine capacity.... even the M&P .45 holds 10... so it really doesn't matter in your case, although the price of ammo makes a huge difference between them.
If you want a defense gun that you can also use for target practice/plinking.... I'd say go with a Glock. I'm not the biggest Glock fan, but they're great weapons and you can get a barrel conversion for them. Basically, in a few minutes you can switch from a 9mm/40 etc into a .22LR..... huge money saver there
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I also like the FNP line (check out FN Herstal). I like them because they're fully ambi (for those lefties out there) and its also got an external hammer on it. I've shot the FNP45 and its one of the most accurate semi-auto's I've ever laid my hands on. Its got a stainless steel slide and polymer frame (just like the Glock and S&W) so its lighter.
If your looking for something smaller (like for concealed carry), I picked up a new S&W Bodyguard .380 a few weeks ago. Very cool little gun, its even got a laser built into the frame.... although a bit small for my hands.
lots of good choices out there in revolvers too.... I'll wait til I hear what your main intentions are before I ramble on anymore