Moving from NJ to Sunny California

Hello, my name is Jennifer. Im a 21 year old college student and computer science major. I currently live with my aunt, work a part-time job as well and someday hope to acquire a full-time federal government job after I graduate. My aunt and I are interested in relocating from NJ to sunny California. To give some additional background, my aunt has a significant amount of experience working in the childcare and food service fields at U.S military installations (Shes currently a GS worker and has a number of certifications) and shes interested in relocating to the following areas/counties (Rated in the order of her preference) 1. San Diego, 2. Los Angeles, 3. Ventura and 4. San Francisco.

Can someone please recommend some safe, clean, affordable, diverse and snake-free places in the following areas/counties? In terms of the snake part, (What I mean by this is... from reading other city data posts and other relocation stories online, Ive heard that snakes are less likely to be in metropolitan areas and are more prevalent in rural areas. Regarding snakes, I do not have a problem with them. However, my aunt is absolutely terrified of them and I would rather her to be comfortable and secure within her environment. Also, from watching television and listening to friends who once lived in California, I've heard that there are yellow "Beware of snakes" signs in some parts of Cali. What are some areas where one is less likely to encounter snakes? Can someone please provide some valuable input and help us out? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks a lot!!! :) :)