I highly recommend you avoid Napoleonic in US. I know i may carry an nasty attitude toward to napoleonics for being so farby. But this statement has nothing to do with that. I swear. ACW would be the best experience for you in US, there is a large community, cheaper uniform (still expensive if going authentic but with Napoleonic, its either cosplay qualtiy crap or super duper stuff you must bring to a tailor to get it done, while ACW has shittons of sutlers at your choice). There are more ACW events than NW events in US, you will find events more bigger and there are plently of authentic units you can join while there isn't any authentic napoleonic unit in the US. Well there is one, coldstream guards but they're in Wisc. I personally know the unit commander and i can guartnee his quality is superb. GG brent <3
But anyway, california? Forget it. Napoleonic will be such a waste of your money and time. Unless you are truly dedicated to the Napoleonic cause and willing to blow your money to be authentic, go for it because being farby in napoleonic make you look like a clown easily.