gunssb - I think you covered most of it. In the county I live in, it is next to impossible to get a CCW, but easier than LA County. An aquaintance of mine has one, for this county, and they must be renewed every year, at least in this county. Whatever you do, do not carry in San Francisco, or several other cities.
Another friend who lives further North, said he saw the Sheriff, an aquaintance, driving the other way, slowed down, stopped and opened his window. The Sheriff stopped and opened his window, and my friend asked, "Hey, I want a CCW, how do I get one?" The Sheriff said, "Come to my office in about an hour, and it will be ready. By the way, are you planning on going out of the county in the next hour? If not, go ahead and carry, now." California is not as bad as it seems, at least in places.