Yes it can be a little over whelming. You can take a course, read books, read blogs, watch videos, join bee clubs or get bees. Depending on your own situation, is which maybe best for you. I missed a class last year, read and watched videos, joined a club, and ran across some bee hives for sale at an estate sale, and bought them. I am still learning, but it has been fun while learning. Good luck with whichever you decide. I like wathing you tube videos, one was Kirk Anderson, backwards beekeeping. Also for what the laws maybe in Ca.
Joe