RE: Getting propane in California
I've run into the same thing and I believe it was also in California.
Pulled in and said I needed propane.  Operator said they were not licensed
to fill tanks inside or attached to vehicles, pointed down the street to
another propane fill station.  Went there and had no hassle.  California
want's to regulate everything, legislative mindset of "Everyone is to dumb
to do anything but we know what's right for you so do it our way".