California kingsnakes are great snakes. I've had mine for over nine years, and she has always been docile with everyone - including children. I have heard that some Cal kings can be nippy as young snakes, but I believe that is more due to age than species. The only time I've been bitten was when I made the mistake of handling my kingsnake too soon after feeding her. Kingsnakes tend to be aggressive feeders and become somewhat single-minded when their attention is on food.

Good luck!