WHICH northern California town is this supposed to take place in?

It was filmed in the Santa Rosa, CA area. They mention Petaluma, which is just down the road on Hwy 101. You can get to Bodega Bay in about 30-45 minutes depending on what day of the week you plan the trip. That would be the closest coastal area. I recognized the Penney's at the Coddingtown Mall, back when it was really nice. It looks like Connie's home was an apple farm, which is common in the area, especially Sebastopol.