Try Las Pilitas Nursery in San Diego county. The native plant nursery is 30-60 seconds off of I-15 at 8331 Nelson Way (just 100 ft. off of Old Highway 395; across Little Moosa Creek) in Escondido, CA, 92026. Phone 760-749-5930. The nursery is open to retail and wholesale customers 9 AM to 4 PM. There are other San Diego nurseries like Buena Creek Gardens (760-744-2810), 418 Buena Creek Road, San Marcos, CA 92069

I realize that your path takes you by San Bernadino and Riverside. I know of few specialty nurseries there.

Here is a link that might be useful: Las Pilitas Nursery

The botanic garden at Cal State Fullerton usually has a nice selection of salvias for sale, and the garden has large specimens of many species. The plants are offered for sale weekends only, and the garden is located just off the 57 freeway at Yorba Linda ave next to the baseball stadium.

thank you guys sooo much for your help but i was hoping for one less out of the way.... however i will defonatly keep those in mind if i can't find any others.
thanks again
dave