I spotted these guys today on a trail run in the East Bay, CA. It just rained so there were lots mushrooms and amphibians out! I pointed these mushrooms out to my son as cool organisms that are not to be eaten.
I saw all of the death cap features I've read about / been warned about, except for a volva. But maybe there's one buried under the leaves. These were growing under what might be oak trees.
I'm aware the Western Destroying Angel also grows in this area, and might be more likely to appear at this time of year?
Does it grow from a "cup" at the bottom? Then definitely
Picture Mushroom identifies it as either death cap (which is obviously lethal), or false death cap, which is just toxic
I know it's an old post, but I just wanted to write: someone recommended to do a "cross-section" to identify - the best course is actually not pick it up and/or cut it. Don't they have anything else to do? Maybe lick the knife after dissection as well?