Hi Tarique,
I think you are limiting your options too much thinking in terms of malls. Especially since you live in California! What about the beaches, Carmel, where many affluent people live? San Francisco has a lot of different street performances that go on all the time, it's part of the city's charm. Weather permitting, your options are only as limited as your imagination! Go to CrystalMoll.com web site, she does her paintings literally on the street, she stopped painting in her studio. She is not a portrait artist, but you are talking about sketches, that should be easy. Sidewalk cafe's, or any cafe is another good one.
People in the US probably wouldn't "fight" over a portrait, but don't think they don't love having their portrait done! If you have the talent for a good likeness, I don't think you'd have a problem.
Good luck to you!
Marta
