My friends swore they couldn't smell anything stale, but then they were all from southern California! To me, it smelled a bit like vegetables just starting to go bad.
Now that you mention it, I know what smell you're referring to. I've been to CA (southern and northern) enough times, and at all times (seasons?) of the year. Yes, it's a vegetable-like smell.
BTW, every time we go to CA to visit my husband's relatives - who are smart, accomplished people - they always feel compelled to discuss why he and I are not as TAN as they are. I kid you not. As a born and bred northeasterner, I find this to be very bizarre...