Actually I live north of Los Angeles - about 75 miles or so - and south of Mojave - about 25 miles or so.

Waouh, I know this part of California, I was there in Palmdale, Barstow, Bakersfield in June 2012... [B-)]

Excellent souvenirs, good weather and not yet drought... so It was my idea for the trees in your atrium. [:)]