Hey Beachnut
I have the same generators as you and I have never had one spark when connecting the cords. Your not trying to run the DC cable at the same time your plugging into the A/C are you?
Being a home inspector I would check to make sure that your grounds are all clean and tight. A loose lug would also cause a spark.
I also am on the Central Coast and my generators run fine when I need them even though they were bought in Florida.
Good luck finding the problem.
