Well, that is a copperhead. It looks like a Trans-pecos Copperhead which doesn't get within 1000 miles of San Diego.
It could be a Broad-banded Copperhead as well, but it looks more like a Trans-pecos (these two subspecies should probably be lumped anyway!).
Either way, no copperheads are found west of Western Texas.

So either -
a. Your friend is wrong about where he found it.
b. It isn't San Diego California but some other San Diego (they don't occur in San Diego, Texas either)
c. It was an escaped pet.
d. You have too much time on your hands and you are pulling our legs.

Chris
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

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