>Note though that the parent refers specifically to handguns.

Also there are limitations on the locations where open-carry of unloaded handguns aren't allowed. Specifically, [1] states those locations as:

    (A) A public place or public street in an incorporated city or city and county.
    (B) A public street in a prohibited area of an unincorporated area of a county or city and county.
    (C) A public place in a prohibited area of a county or city and county.

...it would seem like you could open carry unloaded handguns in unincorporated counties where it isn't specifically prohibited. Are their any of those places in California? National Forest areas would be one area I'd first look at. A google search comes up with unincorporated areas:

https://www.google.com/search?q=unincorporated+areas+of+cali...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Unincorporated_commun...

...in fact it appears there there are no incorporated cities in Alpine County:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpine_County,_California

...but of course there could be other regulations that prohibit open carry of handguns in those areas.

Is hunting with a handgun illegal in California?