I hope you have a successful trip.

I forgot to include this info on the California State Library.
It is in Sacremento, Calif. This is the web address for the library's info on the holidays the library will be closed:
http://www.library.ca.gov/about/cslgen3.html

I see on that web page the Calif. State Library has a branch in San Francisco, which focuses on genealogy and family history, the Sutro Library.

I definitely recommend you telephone the Calif. State Library & speak with a reference librarian to determine if going to the main library in Sacremento or using the Sutro Library in San Francisco will be best.

Also, whatever location you go to, the library will probably have microfilm/reader set ups where you can save images of the newspaper obituaries/death notices you find and send them to yourself via email as attachments. It is a great option and saves on having to print off paper images, which will have to be paid for at the library. One of the library staff members will be able to instruct you in the process.