If you have never been surf fishing before, I really recommend Fisherman57's article on Barred Surf Perch. It covers everything you need to know about catching them. They are a great fish for first timers to target because they are fun, and relatively easy after you've read this article. Perching doesn't require specialized gear either. If you have trout gear, you've got perch gear.
http://fishingnetwork.net/forum4/showthread.php?t=14334
Halibut fishing can get expensive fast, and after one or two LCs, a few packs of dropshot baits, assorted dropshot weights, and several packs of Owner or Gamakatsu hooks you realize you spent a lot more than you originally wanted. Enough perch gear for a few months (depending on how much you go) costs about as much as one LC Flash Minnow 110.
As for meeting other guys, hit the sand enough and you will start meeting a few. Huntington Beach is a great place to go surf fishing (lots of beach, other surf fishermen), and you'll find surf perch in abundance. There are halibut hanging around there too, so get out there and give it a shot.
Lastly man, you are a Team 57 member if you post on this site, so welcome to the Team!