The quicker pace for the ale is expected. Lager yeasts are much slower.
The CA Ale is Sierra Nevada's yeast. It's just about the cleanest, fastest yeast you can use and is suitable for all sorts of beers.
The SF Lager is Anchor Steam yeast. So you can make a California common with it by fermenting at slightly higher than lager temps...like say 65 degrees. The vial should have temp guidelines.
Alternately, you could truly lager your beer by dropping the temp to the 40s or 50s. Expect a much cleaner beer and a much longer ferment with that approach. Cheers!
