I have no idea where Antelope valley and what your zone is.
You could probably start them outdoors.... most of the warmer places in California now is a fine time to start them outdoors, where they'd be much happier than indoors without sun.
Remember, most herbs germinate fine without our help outside, nothing fancy done for them at all.
Seedlings probably can't deal with full on sun during the later part of the year, but they'd probably do okay with a good deal of sun this time of the year.

Are you in or near the desert? Do you know your elevation? If so, your choice of herbs may be different as well as your sowing time. If you are in an arid area, mint will probably do OK. Other possible native/introduced medicinals that might work include ephedra, jojoba, dracaena draco and possibly yerba mansa. My guess is you probably have many native medicinals near you, which would make life simpler.

Herbs: I'm in the san diego area and have had success growing a vast number of herbs.

These have all grown well over the past several years:
Lavender, Thyme, Basil (all types), Dill, Cilantro, Sage (all kinds), Chamomille, Oregeno, Rosmary, Catnip, Chives, Scallions, Ginger root, Onions, Spearmint, Peppermint, & Lemon Balm.

(be wary of planting the mints directly into your garden, if they go to seed you'll be finding mint everywhere and anywhere for a long time. I suggest potting mint, and keeping it on a patio/away from an area which it can drop seeds.)

I'm growing some herbs in San Diego on my south porch, where the heat can get pretty intense, so I prefer some shade or my plants will fry. I have been having quite a bit of difficulty growing basil - too much water, too little water - I never seem to get it right. Any suggestions? (A passerby in Home Depot said I should move to Colorado where it grows wild.)

Basil does quite well in the planted garden, as opposed to in pots. It can get root bound and simply watering it will not offer any good growth unless a bit of a mild fertilizer is used. Overwatering and then drying out is not good either. I use some polymer crystals that soak up water and turn to a gel, where it helps keep moisture for the plants in pots. I start basil in pots, but its transplanted into the garden just about now in my Z6.

Paula,

You can check out the Sunset Climate Zone for CA to find out what zone you're in. I believe most zones are already in the "growing season" with little chance of frost.

I'm in the inland valley region of Southern Calif, so the days are starting to get pretty hot with mild nights. I've had luck growing many herbs in my area, including the ones you listed like basil, sage, rosemary.

lali