In growing up in a small town upstate new york, my dad always grew vegetables in our back yard. I wish to now do that but do not know how to get started. I am passionate about urban farming and wish to start by growing vegetables in my back yard, perhaps selling a farmers market and/or restaurants, but I need help and training as to how to get started. Any suggestions out there as to who I can contact. The city of los angeles is very strict with codes and rules, so I wish to know first if I need to contact anyone in the city of los angeles. I then wish to know how I can find someone to come to my home and get me started and teach me the ropes, in return I will allow them a share of harvest. Pls advise - anyone?

Maybe also post on your local Craigslist or Freecycle or a flier at a church/temple or senior center that you are looking for a garden mentor to help you get started with veggies in your neighborhood backyard?
I wouldn't mention anything about future restaurant/market sales yet; just concentrate first on learning what and how to grow veggies seasonally in your climate.
Also, you might see if any of the CSAs close to you use volunteers or mentor future gardeners. Definitely also check with your local library, garden club(s), county extension office, and may be see if any greenhouses/commercial nurseries have free workshops.

thank you so much for your help on this. pls note I tried to add a message on this forum about volunteering and saw other messages regarding volunteering and a message came up stating not approved - do you know why? Thank you again for your help

Depending on where you are located in Los Angeles, you might consider having an Agricultural Suitability soils test done to determine heavy metals levels (particularly lead) in your soils. This will also determine if your soil is suitable for growing produce. Mainly its important to know about lead levels because certain plants will uptake and store higher levels of lead than others (leafy greens). It will also tell you what pH your soil is at and macro/micro nutrient levels. This test typically runs about $150.00 from a private soils lab (such as Soil and Plant Lab in Orange). Occasionally your local extension can help you out. Contact Los Angeles County Agricultural Extension in South Gate and ask how to proceed.

I am not sure who the extension agent in LA is that would handle that, but, if you are on the West side, you can try to reach Ventura Extension, I think Dr. Ben Faber, may be helpful.