I breed this garter, as do several other breeders including Jeff Benfer. I can tell you for sure that there are localities in California where the animal can look like this particular animal. They ( California red sideds) have cousins known as the San Francisco garter snake which appear to resemble this animal in coloration with a different patterning. The S.F. garter is endangered and federally protected. Actually the animal in the photo is more representative of the S.F. garter snake. I believe the photo is legit.