If you want to raise the ire of Americans - actually North Americans - bring up tipping...

As to your original question: you can avoid tipping the same way you would normally avoid paying for extras.

Remember traveling like a student? (I'm assuming that you aren't one...)

Watch your budget and you'll minimize tipping. Oddly the cheaper a place is the less you're expected to tip - even if they do the same amount of work, which I find grossly unfair. Additionally cheaper places often give more freebies. Stay at a holiday inn express, best western etc and you'll get a fridge and free water sometimes even a microwave and free popcorn, stay at a Marriott or Sheraton and they charge 5$ for water.

Buffets are one option, but heck you're in california. Get takeout, eat it outside and enjoy the weather!

If you want to eat in a restaurant, then just pick one that isn't over the top(pricewise). You'll get good food, hopefully good service and you can leave a small gratuity - or not depending on your preference - without breaking the bank.

Remember, don't let anyone give you grief about not tipping.

I tip at restaurants and occasionally other places (in North America).
The level of service that I've had over the years has never been so-so or bad due to a lack of a tip.
I have never felt that I have ever been anywhere where the service would have improved had I given a tip or a larger tip .
In fact some of the worst service (and most memorable) that I have ever had has always been followed by some person with their handout asking for their tip! (or taking it upon themselves to keep the change)