Fresno.
My tree has never had flowers.
Wonder if we’re talking about the same plant? What we have here is a magnolia relative, with big white blooms, not as big as magnolia but still very fragrant. The leaves—big, about hand sized, are glossy green on top and silverish underneath— can be used in cooking, but I don’t know anyone here who does so.
I did some quick research. Didn’t come up with much except that they do well in your area. One article said there were male and female plants.
Hate to tell ya this, Darlin’, but your Bay Laurel Tree may have Sudden Oak Death:
“In non-oak species, symptoms vary from the appearance of dead spots on leaves, in the case of California bay laurel and madrone...”
http://www.mattole.org/html/publications_article_45.html
I would consult a local arborist, ASAP. They’ll know if it’s serious or not. Hopefully it’s just an “environmental factor” which is the term I use up here when I can’t figure out what is bothering a local tree or shrub. ;)