Jon, I think that in eliminating all the confusing legal speak and just figuring out the meaning of the tax code, "Yes". There are or were several caveats, one being the vehicle or vessel cannot be purchased, put in storage and left unused for at least 365 days and then brought into CA without paying the use tax. Many if not all adjusters require proof of use, i.e., fuel receipts, campground receipts etc.
The tax code has been carefully crafted to confuse and deter the average buyer from evading the use tax. Very wealthy can however buy a boat in lets say Mexico and keep it there for a year and use it (or not) for a year and then bring it to CA. The provisions, however, do deter RV buyers from doing the same unless they are fulltiming.
I usually don't add disclaimers, but this time I feel the need to say I am not a professional or experienced tax consultant.
