plant reference book?

That's a really good starting point IMO. I've had mine for years and years. While it's not a book on natives, it includes many that you will commonly encounter. This is the bible for many nurserymen around the country.

Check out Jepson's Manual.

It's HUGE, UGLY, & HEAVY, nonetheless this hefty little book is basically the best (IMHO) bible for anyone who loves Californian natives!

looks like I have alot of reading ahead of me. Any good smaller field guides? something to take along on shorth overnights when im honing my skills.

thanks again
Jeff

Take a look at the just-published "Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada" by John Muir Laws. It's superb!