I forgot to mention i live in sonoma county california zone 9b according to usda, also heres a further away shot of it.

Well, it isn't a camellia or a rhododendron. But I can't tell you what it is, I'm afraid. It has vague resemblances to fuchsia or Viburnum tinus but doesn't really fit either, especially considering your remark about the spines. I imagine it is also a little atypical through lack of light and looks ganglier that it should.

Looks generally like laurustinus, maybe the "spines" are hairs. That's one of the shrubs you'd expect to pop up occasionally around there, as it is so prevalent in west coast plantings and I have seen seedlings up here also.

Well, if bboy has a similar hunch I'll firm up my suggestion - an etiolated Viburnum tinus aka Laurustinus. Flowers in the winter - in bloom round here right now.

floral uk, you are too much! Are you a botanist, landscape designer? or such?

None of the above.