It's the dormant season, and there is much to do in California gardens. You can still see fall color in our landscapes. Autumn doesn't officially end until the winter solstice on the 21st of the month. A few trees hold on to some of their leaves even into January. Select plants with 'berries' now - toyon, holly, cotoneaster, pyracantha, nandina, arbutus.
Color can range from light orange to deep red.
Buy now to get the color you prefer. Be sure to ask whether you need a male plant nearby as a pollenator. Remember that USDA plant zones are based on average winter low temperatures. If you have plants that are hardy in your zone but not in colder zones, you will need to give these plants some protection during our infrequent 'Alaska blaster' cold spells. Best frost protection is provided by moist, bare ground and by ground cover plants.