I think its sad and not just a California problem. However, the whole issue is very nuanced.

However, if someone were to run a kill shelter, I have no idea what the normal procedures are and I don’t think they should be labeled “no kill”. They should represent themselves appropriately and let people know from the places the dogs are from that they will try their best but there is a chance the dog will still be euthanized/killed anyways.

This site has more interesting info and their solutions align with solutions at end of the SacBee article (more pet friendly housing, fosterling, more veterinarians, etc)