Get the smallest boat you can reasonably be in and spend the money on a proper survey and re-rigging it with oversized rigging, then add a couple of bulletproof storm sails, and a good Bruce anchor with as much chain as you can afford.
Sail in SF Bay for one month: August - September is good
This will beat the crap out of your boat and test things well for Pt. Conception
Do some beercan races to recall all the stuff you learned in classes, but on your new boat - every boat's a little different, this is not for points but for imprinting stuff into your brain.
Sail to Drake's bay, anchor come back
Sail to the Farralones singlehanded, come back
Go to the Singlehanded Society folks and have them check out your boat for safety
Go spend some money on a MOB pole, a Spot (don't think you can afford an epirb), flares, waterproof radio, etc.
Read this account to understand the value of preparing for the worst:
Good News, Bad News - Singlehanded Sailing Society Forum
(See my links in signature and click on safety tag to get more info like USCG float plan etc)
Then post on craigslit for a buddy boat to go with you, always fun and a great way to learn a lot from others
Maybe go with this lady here:
Woman Single-Handing to Mexico?
See that post for great advice from others on where to go, not to go, etc.
I will re-recommend that you slow down at the Channel Islands (the real ones in Santa Barbara Channel area) and skip Catalina completely except for maybe Twin Harbors.
Get the Brian Fagan book on Channel Islands it's awesome
Good luck and since you can only do 10% of what all us smart-asses will tell you, just remember to never cut corners with the weather.
Check it religiously and stay away from big swells, which usually build shortly after the wind pipes up. Plan B, Plan B, Plan B - where do I duck for cover when the wind pipes up.