Forgot to mention there are holes from some light insect feeding, but nothing I would think is out of the ordinary. Are there any insects that spread diseases with these symptoms? I live in southern California, by the way. Thanks.

Sometimes a plant's lowest leaves yellow and die from lack of sufficient shade when the growth above them is lush and vigorous.

I don't think it's a problem. Usually the first leaves on any plant die off before the others do.

Oop, my dyslexia strikes again.

That should have said, "lack of sufficient sunlight".

these plants are maybe 2-1/2 feet high and haven't started producing fruit yet. Should I still not worry? Thanks.

If the rest of the plant is vigorous and healthy you probably don't need to worry.

It is a common occurrence with beans...give your beans a little time...They'll start producing soon..

Thanks for the reassurance. This is my first time gardening and I can't wait to see how good homegrown really tastes.