Missouri has more than a few cities named after other states. California is the county seat for Moniteau County, west of Jefferson City.
The "Visit California" sign in the background (closer view above) obviously is trying to take advantage of a little wordplay.
Believe it or not, I found a Mexican grocery on the city square downtown! Just like home (well, maybe not quite).
These signs greet visitors approaching California from the east on US 50. Lake Tahoe is nowhere nearby, however.
These photos were taken March 9, 2003.