The underside of the leaf has an unmistakeable mealy or grainy look. Yes, they're edible (I believe both raw in salads and as a cooked vegetable).

My best guess would have to be a Bird of Paradise. Most likely a white Bird of Paradise. I had a white one before, and it resembled your plant.

I had not completely ruled out the idea of it being a weed. I didn't want to assume and yank it immediately due to finding rose bushes and a couple other plants that were making a come back from the year before. There are three of these 'weedy ground orchids' that are ironically growing evenly with two or so foot spacing in between. Plus my neighbors sunflowers wiggled their way through the fence into our yard. Thought I'd do some investigating and ask around before I went ahead and pulled the suckers out. :) Thanks for the input everyone! much appreciated

Much of California is hotter than Hell (100s F.) in summer east of the outermost coastal fringe*, hence the chronic problem with dangerous fires. With a number of the native species - including various ceanothus - growing only close to the ocean in nature. Even a lot of the redwood area has a hot summer, with fog drip being a large part of what makes it possible for these giant trees to live there. *Death Valley is located in California