Welcome, Shawna! September is a nice time to hike in the Sierra. It is usually a month with lower precipitation, lower visitors, and pleasant days.
You will be fine with that 15 deg bag. You might need to unzip it at times. How heavy is it?
Deoderant: Let people bring or not, whatever is their personal preference. Just bring the tiniest container possible, and keep it in the bear canister overnight. I once broke off a piece of stick deodorant, and carried it in a snack-zip-lock. ...but now I don't carry any. Older guys don't generate smell like younger ones.
...Or maybe my nose is just worn out.
Don't bring bear spray. Calif bears are not aggressive ...unless you try to bother them after they already have your food. (I did that once
)
