welcome Calista! so cal has a very active BD community.
check out
Belly Dance L.A. and
LA Raqs - Los Angeles Belly Dance for info on what's happening and teacher listings.
ditto that Tina Enheduanna and Lilla are great. and of course there's Angelika Nemeth at Orange Coast... but i confess i'm blanking on where that is in relation to Mission Viejo.