Thanks so much to you and to a private reply from "Cyril Baldwin"

I just tried turning the steering wheel to the left before turning the key and it worked. Now I can get to work in the morning! I had even called three dealerships in California (since in that time zone they were still open) and none knew what the heck to do. The Roadside Assistance Center was just as clueless. I just KNEW there'd be a forum on the Internet with people who were more helpful. I can't thank you enough!

But what the heck is the REASON for this, do you know? It's not a security system, correct? I'm really not a clueless person, but I was baffled.