Here is one plant we native gardeners can rely on to turn a satisfying crimson in the fall: Vitis californica 'Roger's Red.' Provide a structure for this rambling vine to climb, such as an arbor, a trellis, or a fence -- and be prepared for vigorous growth! Roger's Red grapevine can be grown in sun or shade, and produces tart fruits that ripen in late summer.
Other California natives with colorful fall foliage include Acer macrophyllum (bigleaf maple), Populus fremontii (Fremont cottonwood), Western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) and creek dogwood (Cornus sericea). Those of you who garden further inland will, in general, get more dramatic fall foliage color than those of us who garden on the coast. Roger's Red is an exception to that rule, which makes it of extra value for those who want seasonal drama in their seaside gardens.
