[EricH]

I'm not sure who the regional coordinator for SoCal is these days. I think it's still Jim Beck, but don't quote me on that.

OTOH, contact ChrisH to see who your best bets are to contact. Senior Mentor, Regional Director, closest team, all that sort of thing.

Now, some suggestions:

1) a few students and a workspace, plus some funds and some mentors
2) anywhere you think you can get some form of support
3) Ask nicely. See the NEMO stuff. And instead of asking a machine shop for money, ask them for service/skill donations instead, as an example.
4) Get the word out. Those guys tinkering with a motorcycle, the athletes, anybody is fair game.

Bonus suggestion: Get parents and school faculty on board from the start. It'll make life a lot easier later.