Any tips on how to start my own veggie garden?

i live in CA and the weather is pretty moderate and consistent all year long. i want to start my garden ASAP and i want to make my own raised bed out of wood and cedar blocks. any tips on which veggies flourish in summer? i have an area picked out in my backyard and it is full sun. my box is going to be small so i dont have room for corn or large veggies. any suggestions would be great!