That is so neat! They don't need water when they are adults- but they need moisture, I think. Pool guys often find them in swimming pools. I have only seen one variety in my yard- the Newt with blackish-brown top and reddish underside. Which one was it?
Renee

Here is a link that might be useful: California Salamander Identification

I keep my compost piles covered with black plastic and always expect to find the slender Salamanders when i remove the plastic to turn the compost. I also often find a small orange colored snake. They do no harm and always avoid being sifted with the compost. Al

I have found them living in my large worm bins. I think they are so cute with their big eyes.

I looked it up on the web. It is definitely a California salamander.

Way cool! I find them in an outdoor sink that I've never hooked up, but it catches leaves and moisture. Salamanders only breed and rear their young in water, but they are otherwise, terrestial, just needing cool, damp areas.

I love all those little guys. Sometimes they get into my garage and get tangled in cat hair. They recover well when washed clean and released.

The orangey snake, Calistoga, could be the sharp-tailed snake (see link). I have those in my yard.

I always worry about using Sluggo in my garden since I can't find absolute confirmation that it doesn't harm the herpes. I have found that the new Sluggo Plus is not safe, the company does not even claim it is safe for wildlife, like they claim for Sluggo.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bay Area Snakes

I saw a Salamander once by Aliso Canyon creek. I don't think there are many Salamanders in Southern California but there are certain pockets of wilderness area with more biodiversity. Also spotted a wild rose growing there too, with a little 5-petaled purple flower that smelled faintly of rose. So rare to ever see!

I was chopping up my compost last year and I thought it was full of baby snakes! I was so afraid that but gently turned it and found it was full of salamanders! I felt so bad. Now I just leave my compost alone.

He's a pretty one!!

Wow, that is cool!

My compost pile doesn't host anything more exciting than soldier fly larvae....

those are good guys too. Have not seen any this year!