Kevin,
CA has a pretty good website to help you with some of your questions:
http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/be/starting-a-business.htm
As to the LLC, there are online companies that offer a wide variety of prices BUT I would highly recommend you consider contacting a solid local business attorney. Typically the 'price' can pretty close BUT importantly you start a business relationship with an attorney in the event you ever need one for your business. Plus you get initial legal counsel that can prove invaluable. When I opened my first small business, following the above advice saved me time and money when 2 surprise legal challenges hit me when I 'thought' I was in a pretty well defined business.
Lastly consider contacting your local SCORE office for either free business counseling, help with the questions you asked or perhaps contacts they have with small business friendly attorneys, services, etc. See www.score.org and use the Find SCORE option.
Alice, SCORE Pittsburgh
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