I live in CA in a county where CCW permits are not granted, so I know how that feels.
I carry Fenix PD35 flashlight and if I'm feeling particularly worried pepper spray. These days just to avoid touching number pads I'm also carrying a 'tactical' pen (really any rigid metal pen, like a metal sharpie, would do).
The flashlight is an effective striking tool, is 100% legal to carry, is more used than any knife I carry, beats trying to use your cell phone to look under couches and desks, and is allowed in every place that has a metal detector (like a pro hockey game or on a plane). Pepper spray is a mostly effective standoff weapon and is legal to carry almost everywhere. I then carry whatever knife I feel like carrying, often a Swiss Army Knife or a traditional folder.
I also particularly dislike scout carry and, if I want an easily available fixed blade knife prefer to carry horizontal cross draw in front of my left hip (using a right hand cross draw sheath). The knife is very available to both hands. I don't know about conceal-ability as it is illegal in this state to concealed carry a fixed blade knife.
