Safe places to sleep in van

I'm from Garberville, which is a bit norther than you want to go, but there are places where you won't get hassled as long as you don't overstay your welcome.

The locals might tell you about them.

Bring plenty of money. It's expensive as fuck there and nobody has any work. Prop 64 destroyed the economy.
 
Sounds like truck stops for you.

I just park in neighborhoods where there's no signs restricting parking. Usually next to a tall fence, wall, empty lot, etc so as to not be in a prime spot for the residents that live there.