In CA anyone can carry, concealed or open when fishing, unless local ordinances forbid it. That said, I only have a .22, and have never seen a bear or any sign of it. the .22 would not help, in any case.

Also, from what I have read, a charging bear is a tough shot with a pistol, and I would not want to make a near-kill and **** him off.

but I will still probably carry my new pistol for snakes...