California is in a bad drought as you well know, the bears are not finding the berries and other foods they need and this will become a bigger problem for you as fall comes because bears will be in an even bigger need for all the food they can find and they will always go for the easy meal.
Any food scents will bring them in make sure your grill is locked up. You can try using an air horn when the bears come around but I would yell at them and fire off some rounds to scare them off every time, they will soon decide your no longer an easy target. Don't shoot the bears unless you or your pets are being attacked !

The cougars are hunting you and your pets and they will attack a puppy as soon as the opportunity presents itself. You are low to the ground gold panning ( if that's your operation) and you appear as an easy target but even so if they want you they will attack, ( if they attack FIGHT,) I have met them in the mountains here in Colorado big game hunting and they are not much for backing down. ( I didn't shoot I surprised them and so just backed away), I would do the same for the cats and use an air horn or shoot off some rounds always shoot in their and the bears direction but not to hit them. It wouldn't hurt to tell some bear and cat hunters the location as they can not only take one but they will remind the animals that they are in danger and it will help them leave you alone. You may also want to ask your wildlife officers what to do as you don't want to break any laws but you have to keep your family safe. Don't approach mother bears with cubs as that can be dangerous.
Good luck !