Is a Flu Pandemic Starting in California?

Source: California Department of Public Health. Graphics reporting by Soumya Karlamangla

If you look at this graph the answer could be: Maybe

But, what seems really strange about it is that this is happening in California rather than an Arctic Eastern State or states right now. One reason this could be happening is people in CAlifronia are out and about more instead of snowed in in Eastern STates not able to get out and shop or work or go places often.