Fresno really isn't either. Politically/Culturally it is nothing like nor cal, and only like some parts of so cal (orange county?). Not even the surenos or nortenos could really become dominate so Fresno has its own gang that is kind of independent (the bulldogs, they split off of the nortenos in the 80s).
But it probably feels more do able for you to head up the 99 and hook up with the "nor cal east" rides in the sacto area than to head over the grapevine to so cal proper so...welcome to Nor Cal!