It all depends on how long you want to be in the water.
If you just want to get your abs then get out, a 3mm bottom and 7mm top are the way to go. The lighter weight belt is a definite plus as well.
I however like to spend a TON of time in the water.
Driving from Placerville, I have to make the most of my time at the coast, so I am in the water for a minimum of 2 hours, longest has been 5.
I just enjoy it. I could get my abs in one dive and call it a day, but there is so much to explore. I would stay in longer, but I just get dog tired.
I have a 7mm Henderson Gold Core farmer john, and I wear a big 2mm vest under. I put the bottoms on 1st, then my hood, then slide the vest over that, then the top. No water goes down my neck this way. I do pay for it by having to wear 30 lbs of weight.
I know it is overkill, but if you are in the H2O for a LONG time, the cold will get to you. If I was just doing a grab and go, I would go as thin and as light as I could get away with.
Rent a few diff combos and see what works best for you. Its all about comfort, and everyone is different.
Hope this helps, Tote

Blues move. I have seen hundreds on one day diving, gone back the next day to the exact spot and seen none.
As for protecting the resources, just don't over harvest.
Santa Cruz tournament I caught 9 fish and kept zero. Elk tournament I kept one ling and released 3 legal ones, as well as the blues and coppers I caught. I went ab diving after the tournament and only took one ab, even though I could have gotten my limit on one dive.
No one really needs a ton of fish in the freezer. We all know they taste better fresh anyway.
I only keep enough fish to last me until the end of the week. If I need fish for the next week I head back to the coast. This way none will ever be lost to freezer burn or forgotten until I do the next defrost.
Only pass on your secret spot to someone you know who will protect it or someone you know will never go back.
My spots will go to my son. If he decides to have kids hopefully he will do the same.
Tote

Tried my damndest to get Friday off so I can make the Elk Tourney. Sucks being 'indispensible'. I couldn't swing it. BUT dont count me out yet.  I may pull in around 1am catch a few zzz's, then win me a new kayak..LOL
Hope I can swing it.
Tote

I have a 4x4 and I will say it has definitely saved my bacon on more than one occasion.
If you have ever launched at Ocean Cove you know the boat ramp ( cliff ) gets very wet from everyone else launching and taking their boats out. With the water and the kelp and the grade of the launch area, I have pulled a more than  a few 2 wheel drives out of that area.
I have thrown mine in 4 wheel drive in the snow, mud ( especially parking near water when it has recently rained ), sandy river shores, dirt roads where getting over that mound that means 3 miles less of a hike one way to my favorite fishing spot.
If I only use my 4 wheel drive 1% of the time, by the time I put 100k on my truck, I have done 1000 miles of 4 wheeling. How much time and money are you gonna require getting a 2 wheel drive unstuck after 1000 miles of needing 4 wheel drive???
Tote