Santa Ana advice--channel Islands

[rbaron]

We are new to CA and have a 34 foot Cal in Ventura. Up til now we have cruised in summer months but now retired. Seeking advice about Fall and winter cruising in Channel Islands, particularly Santa Cruz Island. Have heard fearsome stories of Santa Ana blows.
Any advice re safe harbors other than Chinese Harbor and Forneys? Will Coches Prietas provide protection?
Also are there any particularly good sources of warning info. Any particular VHF weather channel? Website?.
We'd be grateful for local knowledge. Bob Baron East of Reason II.

[imagine2frolic]

You should have a WX button on your VHF. That's the weather, but I have a hard time understanding them at times. I watch NAOO & WEATHERUNDERGROUND for weather on the internet.