Please help, I live in Bakersfield CA and my friend wants to cut them now...any help is appreciated:)

Cut them now, especially the tallest ones. Make a 45-degree cut about 12 in. below the flower head (or some other appropriate length).

If you don't want such tall plants, there are smaller, bushier varieties, or you could pinch them back much earlier in the season. I have lots of seed for pink and white varieties of the shorter zinnias. The flowers are much smaller and single, but they do stay neat looking.

Martha