Having reached Californian metropolis, first person is hobbling (4)
I believe the answer is:
lame
'hobbling' is the definition.
(both can mean walking with difficulty)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lame that I've seen before include "Imperfect - material" , "Weak kind of excuse for halting walk" , "Thin plate" , "Disabled in leg or foot" , "Unable to walk normally" .)