this is a common invasive species here in norcal. it has a tendency to produce a furled inflorescence, which straightens up over time (compare picture 1/3 with picture 4).
some pictures were taken on a hiking trail; two (i think the last two uploaded) were taken in the backyard of the new house we've recently moved into.
edit: eek! they're all sideways! hopefully i've fixed it now.