technically yes... it's a 'may issue' state... in reality it's a mix. If you meet the criteria they have to issue... but some counties set the criteria to impossible to meet standards.

Despite that... if you have a Ca. CCW you are legal to carry in all counties, even those that for all intents and purposes do not issue... like SF. As you may know Calif. does not recognize any other state's CCW.

Staying 'legal' is tough.... for example, some counties, (only a couple that I'm aware of), require you to notify law enforcement during a routine traffic stop. Most do not but county law enforcements prefer that you do. My son-in-law just a couple of days ago was stopped for a faulty tail light... he notified the police officer, (city police)... and the officer was VERY grateful for him doing so. He had removed his keys placing them on the dash, left his hands on the steering wheel, and immediately declared, "I'm a licensed CCW holder".