Submitted via email, permission granted to use from Michael F of Vallejo. A description of the texture of the bark:
My knee-jerk reaction is Drimys, but it could also be one of the smooth-bark Acacias. Did the tree have any noticeable odour?
It kind of reminds me of Melaleuca quinquenervia. However, it hardly seems likely to be used as a street tree in California. http://www.google.co.uk/images?q=Me...&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1247&bih=496