Hi,
I really couldn't say that there is a clear CA native substitute for bamboo. Still, there are some CA natives that (to me) share certain characteristics with the largest member of the grass family. I would consider genus: Juncus - (Common name(s) Rush)
http://www.laspilitas.com/plants/pla...ve_plant_J.htm
GENUS SPECIES VARIETY COMMON NAME
Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii Spiny Rush
Juncus balticus Baltic Rush
Juncus dubius
Juncus effusus Common Rush
Juncus leseurii Salt Rush
Juncus macrophyllus Long leaf rush
Juncus occidentalis Western Rush
Juncus oxymeris Pointed Rush
Juncus patens Common Rush
Juncus phaeocephalus phaeocephalus Brown Headed Creeping Rush
Juncus textilis Basket Rush
Juncus xiphiodes Iris Leaved Rush
OR....
Equisetum hymale Horse Tail
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-...setum-kansanum
hope this helps.