ECCiE is not that widely used in CA.
I live in Sacramento and filter threw the CA forums about once a week.
When you say best places to stay, I am assuming your asking about hotels. If it was me I would look at the hotels off Sunrise Blvd and highway 50.
Avoid I5 Richard's Blvd hotels and 80 in Placer County (Roseville thru Auburn).
We use Private Deligts in California.
https://privatedelights.ch/
PM me if you have any questions.