Same situation down here in the South Bay (CA). I was hired because of my computer skills, but the jobs can get so involving that you usually do a bit of everything. There seems to be a pretty decent amout of side work to be had. You definetly make more money at it that way. I do not know if there is enough side work to make a living at programing only though. It definetly is a fun way to make a buck, thats for sure.
