Yes, it let's them know that this issue is a priority, and that they can gain popular support by either reemphasizing their position, or by sponsoring a new bill.

In this situation, the representatives didn't vote. They shelved the bill, A.B. 375 [0]. Many bills don't get put up to a vote because they aren't seen as priorities or viable. This includes SOPA/PIPA which was one of the most bipartisan co-sponsored bills [1] and yet never made it to a vote because of the popular outcry such as the Internet blackout day.

[0] https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billHistoryClient.x...

[1] https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/3261...

Actually, writing California state representatives is often successful. And if that doesn't work, like for prison reform and pot legalization, there's the initiative system.

Fair enough. Let's crowdfund a lobbyist.

Alternatively, get involved in the city Democratic clubs and county central committees here in California. Politicians do pay attention to people who organize fundraisers for them, and the local groups are where the next generation of politicians are picked. Politics is a lot like science in that regard: policies last until their supporters die, or are term-limited.