I could not find anything on amending clay soil for a vegetable garden. I am looking for something easily understood by novice gardeners. Perhaps in the future you can add a link for that. Thanks.

I am looking for information on growing herbs such as basil and chives in the Central Valley.

Hi Judy:  
You can find information on growing basil & chives and additional herbs on the UC Davis Good Life Garden website. In regards to growing them in the Central Valley, they will need some over-head protection from the central valley's hot summer sun, also be careful not to over-water them. Basil & chives do well in containers.

We have just added a PDF that addresses amending clay soils for a vegetable garden to the California Garden website. On the website, look under 'Vegetables,' then 'How should I prepare my garden for planting.'

I book marked the website. It's just great and real helpful  
for researching a question from a client.  
 
While fooling around on the computer I find that you can down-load hundreds of articles from priced UCCE publications by simply going to "ce._______" and adding the subject. It will not work if you enter www or UCCE.