After their mother gets a new job, the Carlin family moves from small town Ohio to the big city of Los Angeles, California. Siblings Spencer, Glenn and adopted African American Clay must adjust to a new school, friends, and problems and must try and survive in a place where everyone else is also trying to find their identity.

Ashley makes a video involving revelations of people's first time having sex. As Clay's first date with Chelsea nears, he is forced to face a lot of unwanted attention and even advice as everyone finds out he is still a virgin. Meanwhile, Ashley decides to get back at Madison and Sherry for spreading rumors about her.

Spencer and Ashley sneak out of the school while its under lockdown. While sneaking out, Spencer reveals her feelings towards girls, and Ashley tries to help but it hurts Spencer in the process.

Spencer and Ashley have a friendly competition for Aiden’s affection, which gets a little out of hand. Clay and Sean have a night from hell as they are on their way back from the movies. When two dead bodies come into the ER, Paula and Arthur are forced to deal with the harsh realities of living in Los Angeles.

Ashley and Madison have another clash in the girl’s locker room. In a little tussle, Madison discovers Ashley’s cell phone that has fallen out of her bag and the mischief begins. A basketball scout from a major University is interested in recruiting Glen and tries to persuade his decision with some expensive gifts. At home, Arthur finds a suspicious email. The Carlin family experiences their first California earthquake, which shakes the foundation of their friendships and marriage.

After nursing Ashley through a rough night, Ashley and Spencer are closer than ever. Meanwhile, Clay borrows Sean’s car and heads to Arizona for a personal mission and Glen is on a rollercoaster of his own, with some great news from a college recruiter… followed by an event that may change his life forever.

Spencer wakes up with Ashley and they talk about what happened the night before. Ashley and Spencer go out to dinner with Ashley's father and afterwards find out he died, and at his wake Ashley find out she has a half-sister.

Spencer gets caught in the middle of homosexuality intolerance at school, and at home. Meanwhile, there's something going on between Aiden and a girl he met at the gym.

As the Carlin family try to reconnect they try out Paint ball in an effort to get their feelings out. But as Spencer grows closer to her family, Ashley feels she and Spencer are just moving apart.

Aiden has trouble coming to terms with his feelings for Ashley. Especially since he is now dating her half sister again. As Aiden tries to make Ashley realize that they were meant to be, Spencer watches as her heart breaks.

Moments after the drive-by shooting at the King High prom, ambulances rush the victims to the ER--and everyone realizes that nothing will be the same again. As Spencer and Ashley rechart their existence in the aftermath, their relationship might not be strong enough to take the strain.