No, although that is a common clause in employment contracts. The GP on the other hand is talking about the default ruling under California law. You're allowed

No, although that is a common clause in employment contracts. The GP on the other hand is talking about the default ruling under California law. You're allowed side projects in the same field on your own time, so long as your contract doesn't say otherwise. (As always, I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice, etc.)