Well, I'll give it a very minor shot.
The big thing is filling out a form called the FAFSA - it can be obtained at pretty much any college's financial aid office, and I believe you can even have it sent to you. I always got it in person though. FAFSA stands for... wait for it... Federal Application for Student Aid. This takes into account a number of variables and generates Federal aid that you can expect.
Stemming from that is the TAP grant. This is by state, so I don't know how it works in California. It's a form you get after you fill out the FAFSA, and can provide you with a special loan that doesn't accrue interest nearly as badly as other student loans. Again, this is based on your income, and several variables. It's in your interest to fill this out as soon as possible though, since it's a limited fund.
There are also numerous scholarships out there, which you should talk to a financial aid office about. Most of them are very willing to direct you to several major websites which track numerous scholarships. These may not seem much at first, but every little bit helps - a $250 scholarship can pay for a couple of books. Several of them can start to stack up.
Finally, I don't know what you're planning on going into, but often times companies will help to foot some of the bill of you going/returning to college, in exchange for you working for them. My soon to be brother-in-law's company offered to chip in a good deal to send him to college. This is something that you have to look into and ask about, and usually includes a commitment after you graduate.
Like was said, I would find a financial aid office at a nearby college and schedule an interview. They may ask if you go to the college, but explain your situation, or if nothing else lie and say you're planning on applying, but you want to get a handle on the financial stuff first. They're usually the nicest and most understanding of college offices. They'll know a lot more about how to finance you going to college.
