Light Transport; High Wing; 2 Turboprop Eng
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure
An Air Carrier was climbing eastbound from FAT; Standard Procedure; handed off to Sector 16/22 climbing to 100. Aircraft did not check on with ZOA sector. We attempted to establish communication; but were unable for several minutes. The aircraft remained level at 100 while flying into an area of high terrain just a few miles east of FAT Approach airspace. After several radio calls (many with instructions to climb) the aircraft was observed beginning a climb. A couple of minutes later; when communications were established; the aircraft did report the terrain in sight and that they would accept a VFR climb. The aircraft was issued a climb to FL230 and a read back was received. I believe the procedure of FAT Approach climbing departures to 100 eastbound and then transferring communication to ZOA is not safe. Before communications are transferred; the aircraft should have clearance to an altitude that is safe for their route of flight. Perhaps for eastbound aircraft; FAT should call and request permission for a higher altitude.
ZOA Controller described a probable MVA event when traffic departing FAT was restricted to 100 eastbound as per LOA.  The reporter suggested needed changes to the procedure.