VTEC Mini, I think you will do well in central California. Get up to speed quickly and coast will be your best bet and I am sure you will get better than 40 MPG. As Shatner and I drive pretty spirited, we are doing pretty well on MPG.
I am currently at around 650 miles mark and using normal mode more often now or driving more conservatively and getting better than 40 MPG avg. Of course just started the conservative side. My engine has yet to completely break in so I will be switching to sport mode every now and then. Hope that help.