M.S.
I started using cloth diapers with my first when she was almost a year and used them with my second pretty much the whole time in diapers (3 years). There are a lot of sites out there, when I first started out, I got all my info/questions answered from:
http://punkinbutt.com/articles.php?osCsid=b3ad27c6c3602e0... She has a list of articles (I went here for washing instructions) also if you use an prefolds, she even has a section on different folds. Very helpful!
I used prefolds with a cover and Fuzzin Bunz. Oh, I miss those days :-) I never regretted it. I used a diaper pail and did laundry when it filled up. Since I live in So Cal (I see you do as well) I was almost always able to dry my diapers outside - which is also nice if they get stains - the sun will help get them out. Never use fabric softner - you'll learn that but just wanted to mention it - if my diapers weren't soft from drying in the sun, I'd throw them in the dryer for about 5min (this was mainly my prefolds). Oh and a tip to keep them smelling fresh - a drop of tea tree oil in the wash.
Best wishes to you!!
M.