Bonanza 36
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 45; Flight Crew Total 1350; Flight Crew Type 800
Conflict NMAC
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Human Factors
When enroute to O61 on flight following with OAK Center I was handed off from one Oakland Center Controller to another. After being handed off I reported 'level at 9;500 starting VFR descent.' Controller's response was 'traffic at 12 o'clock [at] 9;500.' [I] descended below 9;000 FT. Then [Controller transmitted] 'To avoid traffic turn left 15 degrees.' [I responded] 'Left turn 15 degrees.' I [was] now at 8;800 FT and started my left turn and [at] 10 o'clock; 100 FT [away] and below me 200 FT [was] the Cessna traffic traveling SE [which then] passed under us. Traffic was also on with Center. A few minutes later I asked the Controller if the Cessna was squawking Mode C and he responded 'positive; level at 9;500.' I have [had a] static pressure test on this aircraft in the last 4 months. Please review this; it seems that a few mistakes were made on where the traffic was and [his altitude]; and I was asked to turn directly into the other aircraft and descend through him.
BE36 pilot reported NMAC with a Cessna on flight following with OAK Center.