In regards to Native American sites in CA, I personally find these 2 sites to be the most WHS worthy, but there are other sites of importance. Tsunami, do you have any other suggestions?

Coso Rock Art District CL (reportedly largest concentration of Petroglyphs in North America)
Carrizo Plain National Monument M (Sacred Chumash site, Painted Rock)

I've got an idea for a new site in California: UC Berkeley Campus and its surroundings, or alternatively, Berkeley Cultural Landscape. :)

My last post here was nearly 10 years ago, how the time flies. Perhaps folly to perform wishlist type posts regarding what we feel should be nominated for World Heritage status, yet here I am. I now have spent about 17 years exploring California and I'd estimate this state alone has at least 10 strong candidates that I hope find there way on a future tentative list and eventual submission (in addition to past inscriptions). I will do my small part and send proposals to NPS staff when new public comment periods are announced (likely not for a few years). The only pending tentative site in CA is the California Current Ecosystem nomination, which would inscribe over 400 kilometers of California coastline and large marine areas. While any news related to this nomination is sparse, early 2030's (if at all) is all we can expect regarding an actual submission. Other potential candidates not included here, which could be categorized as 'Sites of Memory' are Japanese-American Internment Camps (Tule Lake, Manzanar) or Angel Island (immigration, nativism).

Ten Strong Candidates for World Heritage in California

Carrizo Plain National Monument

Thoughts: Perennially not included (but nearly always considered for the US tentative list)! Should be a mixed property with its Chumash cultural site (Painted Rock). Impediments to any nomination have always been ranchers and the oil industry.

Case Study Houses in Los Angeles (2 components)
Component: Eames House (1949)
Component: Stahl House (1960)

Thoughts: Eames House is a National Historic Landmark, whereas Stahl House is not. These are the only Case Study Houses that are accessible.

Channel Islands National Park (5 components)
Component: Anacapa Island
Component: Santa Cruz Island
Component: Santa Barbara Island
Component: Santa Rosa Island
Component: San Miguel Island

Thoughts: I've visited 3 of the 5 islands and each left an impression. Endemic Island Fox, birdlife and elephant seals stand out.

Death Valley National Park (2 components) *formerly nominated
Component: Death Valley National Park
Component: Trona Pinnacles (National Natural Landmark)

Thoughts: Re-visited last weekend for the first time in about 15 years, still glorious and under-appreciated! Geology is incredible and Trona Pinnacles are related enough to warrant inclusion.

El Camino Real de las Californias *planned addition to tentative list
- numerous components (18 associated National Historic Landmarks)

Thoughts: Furthest along candidate mentioned here that may be added to US tentative list relatively soon (coordinated with Mexico).

Joshua Tree–Sand to Snow Protected Area (2 components) *formerly nominated
Component: Joshua Tree National Park
Component: Sand to Snow National Monument

Thoughts: Joshua Tree National Park might have few Joshua Trees left by 2100, but the National Park has continued to expand and its location in the transition zone between the Mojave and Sonoran Desert makes it unique. Joshua Tree has a 10-year old neighbor, Sand to Snow National Monument, which abuts the National Park and includes a long section of the Pacific Crest Trail and diverse low and high desert landscapes.

Louis Kahn's Salk Institute

Thoughts: Impressed by a visit a while back, potential, but not protected as a National Historic Landmark currently.

Mojave (4 components)
Component: Mojave National Preserve
Component: Castle Mountains National Monument
Component: Mojave Trails National Monument
Component: Rainbow Basin Natural Area (National Natural Landmark)

Thoughts: More Joshua Trees than Joshua Tree National Park, Route 66, volcanic craters, caverns, desert tortoise habitat, and massive sand dunes.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (3 components) *formerly nominated
Component: Sequoia National Park
Component: Kings Canyon National Park
Component: Giant Sequoia National Monument

Thoughts: Nearly all the Sequoia groves (about 70) in 3 protected components. In contrast, Yosemite protects three Sequoia groves.

Works of Richard Neutra (3 components)
Component: Lovell Health House (1929)
Component: VDL Research House (1932/1966)
Component: Kaufmann Desert House (1946)

Thoughts: Greater accessibility is ongoing or in the works for both the Lovell House (LA) and the Kaufmann House in Palm Springs, yet neither is protected as National Historic Landmarks currently (a barrier for any nomination). Could be considered in a more wide serial nomination with other examples of the 'international-style'.