Interesting project.
Not sure where you are headed, but there is some interesting stuff here in Cali.
Here are a few worth considering....
Morro Bay... there is some big retail with the iconic Morro Bay rock and possibly the power station in the background.
http://www.frontstreetinn.net/fsiimages/plant.jpgInteresting off market or abandoned retail in the Salton sea area
They are building/renovating a retail area in Malibu with big nature in the background
You might find this website interesting to see it there is any interesting coastline retail like marine gas stations etc..
http://www.californiacoastline.org/arial photos of the entire Cali coast, military sites excluded.
Backersfield and lake isabella is interesting too.