Along with a C&C 27, we also have a Cal 20 that we cherish. It was a roadside boat for about 8 years, but three months of work brought it back into great shape. We posted a series of photo galleries about the restoration at
http://homepage.mac.com/bear33/PhotoAlbum14.html
We're biased, of course, but we think Cal 20s are excellent starter boats for someone who can do some work on an older boat. Ours cost only $600 to begin, and it's been great for my wife and son to master together.
So, if you see a neglected Cal 20, try to let others know about it. Some are too far gone, but others are worth the while if they're half-way complete. It's also fun to see racing pictures from the Cal 20 fleet in SF in Latitude 38.
Jim H