From the 2008 California Driver Handbook (3Mb):

Bicycle Lanes

A bicycle lane is shown by a solid white line along either side of the street, four or more feet from the curb. The white line will usually be broken near the corner and the words “BIKE LANE” will be painted in the lane. When you (driver of an automobile) are making a right turn and are within 200 feet of the corner or other driveway entrance, you must enter the bike lane for the turn. Do not drive in the bike lane at any other time. (*Editor's note, please make sure that you merge, carefully, with any bikes that are already in the lane).

You may park in a bike lane unless a “No Parking” sign is posted. Pedestrians are not allowed in bike lanes when sidewalks are available. Drivers of motorized bicycles should use bike lanes carefully to avoid accidents with bicyclists.