Make sure that the outfit you hire is insured and has a permit from the city to operate. If you get hurt these things become very important. Surf near an open lifeguard station and ask the guards about water hazards and proper surf areas.
Mary Setterholm owns Surf Academy surf school in Santa Monica. She has one of the largest schools in LA plus knows how to teach most everyone. She was also a great surfer and US Champ years back. Look on the web at surfacademy.com
Try picking up a good surf mag and there should be some ads for surf lessons in there.