Starting at the hospital in San Diego will probably work out well, since it is the one we have discussed in greatest detail. I had mine starting in an abandoned gas station nearby the hospital if I'm not mistaken.

About the hospital. How big of an operation is it? Considering the evacuation it would probably just be a dedicated few still remaining there? I think we discussed this, but I can't remember what we ended up with.

And about San Francisco, on second thought I think it's best we don't venture down a storyline set there.

About NPCs. We should divide them between us, as I find two people using/playing the same NPC makes the poor NPC rather schizo.