California toads and Ensatina Salamanders

[Greatballzofire]

That sounds like Aneides lugubris behavior? do you mean A.lugubris?

http://www.californiaherps.com/salam....lugubris.html
I think this is it. I live in the small red spot area on the map of California. I saw a group of three of these creatures under a big rock this spring. Now it is hot and dry and nary a salamander of any sort to be seen!