Oh, thank you kevinkk! That was very helpful, just what I needed. You're right, it's an assassin bug called a Western Corsair. I'm glad I kept it at bay since several sources say its bite is very painful!

I'm on the trail...

We found this one on our sofa last night in Central California. Length is about 20 mm. Very active. I don't think I've seen one before. The Soldier Beetles I'm familiar with have dark grey wing coverings and orange heads. They're very common. Could this more like a Goldenrod SB?