@ Charles, Thanks for the other possibility, after looking at a few more pictures from CaliforniaHerps.com the markings do bear a strong similarity to a "St Helena" or Lampropeltis zonata zonata which I would love to just run with that because my late uncle who taught me all I know about snakes was wanting to go herping in the Columbia River gorge for that exact species. so It would be great if thats what this is because I would not have had to risk breaking any local laws to get one. the only difference I can see in my snake and the ones photographed in Napa County CA. is mine does not have as bright of red.