SOLVED!!
OK, even though I thought I had done due diligence on my searching before posting this problem, after posting it I found a support article from TurboTax describing my exact problem.
The proposed solution involved downloading a "cleaner" file to remove what I guess must be residual info about the state which is confusing the program. The article provided a link and pretty solid instructions about how to download and run the .exe file to do the cleaning.
Long story short, I followed the instructions, downloaded the file, ran it, and it worked perfectly!
Now I can continue with my California return as normal.
Thank you! No need to reply or respond, as the problem is solved.
