Are the ends of the cone scales flattened or faceted with a pyramid-like shape? 

CLUE: this tree is only found in dry foothills in California and Oregon. 

It is a knobcone pine.

Yes
- OR -

Are the ends of the cone scales rounded and dome-like? 

CLUE: this tree is rare and found only along the central California and Baja California coasts. 

It is a Monterey pine

Yes