Depends which part of California you are talking about. And the correct term is hot-semi-arid which southern CA is.
Dry is too broad a definition. About as broad as desert- like from my statement.
I was considering the whole state. I think your description is fine. The coastal areas from San Diego to at least Santa Barbara are very unique climates, of which there are only three others like it in the world. The eastern desert areas are huge, but very different from the rest of the state.