SiNguyen

Hi Bonhe, nice California juniper! Very healthy looking. It looks like it is pushing a lot of new growth. You can do the branch wiring now, but don't mess with the root yet. Let it finish with the Spring flush and for the new foliage to hardens up another 2-3 months before you can repot it, and even then, don't mess with the root ball too much. Are you sure there is no more base to be seen? I don't see a single root flair! You'd better clear out a little more soil to see the base better. Don't try to envision the top half of this tree yet. I think that's all going to change even if you don't chop it down. The top half of the skinny trunk is problematic though, so I guess you better stock up on raffia and alot of big copper wires. I do like that last view, the one in which the lower trunk curves AWAY and to the left from you, lean it that way some more, which would allow you to bend the top portion of trunk forward in order to shorten it visually. Basically you will be folding the trunk down. You need to lower this tree by half for it to look right with this trunk size and style. Email me some better photos. I will draw you a proper sketch.

Now you know anh David Nguy in Kofu Bonsai Kai right?. He has a warehouse full of bonsai supplies in Chino right near you. I would let him see this tree if you want a second opinion. He's good! He won't mess it up. Good luck!
Si