Doing my first brisket - not hopeful

[jasonvr]

 
Good job!  Since you're in CA, try Cash & Carry for reasonably priced brisket. They sell them as whole packers, but my local one sells Angus brisket for $2.58 lb. They also come on sale quite often.

Unfortunately I think they are only in NorCal.  I've heard Costco sells decent brisket for good prices