Wickz:
Here, they just plug their cable into the OBD (?) computer port under the dash, I guess given the technology these days. I passed my last emissions test, but that was before I upgraded the exhaust. Interesting that you were born/raised here and ended up there. My company has an office in San Diego and I always like to visit - CA is really nice, especially in the Spring & Summer.
If you go to my YouTube (Cold Start) link and click to see all my videos, you will see I added two more. I don't have the fast Drive Away yet; working on it. Take care!