I've been living this for a while, being in CA. I've had a ton of different AR and AK Californicated setups, and never was comfortable thinking of them as defensive options due to the modifications required, and the politics of the state. I've settled on handguns and semi auto shotguns, 1301T specifically, as my go to defensive arms. If I need a rifle, my SKSs are in new, unissued condition and I'm more than comfortable using them if necessary. My M1 Garand serves this role as well, but it's a lot more expensive to regularly practice with.
While I'd prefer the AWB goes away here, and it might eventually, I'm comfortable with these right now, and don't necessarily feel undergunned as a regular Joe.