You are smart to stop now. When I first moved to San Diego I joined Team in Training and signed up to run the Rock and Roll Marathon, I had never run in my life except during basketball in high school, and possibly for a good shoe sale.
It was a great way to meet people and to raise money for a good cause. I know they have lots of groups all over Cali. Maybe something like that would be a good way to meet people, it is hard to drink and get up for a long run the next day!!