As to the California Roll's origins, here's an article from the Vancouver Courier (local community newspaper) that says Hidekazo Tojo (yes, owner of Tojo's) invented the california roll, contrary to the other articles that indicate that an "unknown" Californian sushi chef created it. (But who knows how accurate this article is.)

http://www.vancourier.com/issues05/0...043205nn1.html

You can find those "quirky" rolls (ie Philadelphia roll, etc) in Vancouver. You just got to look in the right places.

Side note: The article is pretty interesting as it talks about the "true" cost of sushi and it's impact to the world's oceans. Agree with it or disagree, it's good food for thought.