monarchs and swan plants

[Sunsol Daniels]

 This species is listed in the popular U.S. "Sunset" Garden Book as
>"Swan Plant" and it regularly attracts ovipositing monarchs in gardens 
along the
>central California coast.

I'm in Berkeley.  Is it wishful thinking that I am on the "central 
Calfornia coast?"  What time of year do the Monarchs lay?  The swan plant 
around here is looking pretty ratty now.  Maybe it needs to be cut back 
in the winter so it has fresh foliage for the spring and summer...

Sally