Go to school. I took a 10 day mountaineering class years ago and although I never did any real climbing after that, it was worth it. I did my course in New Zealand, so no recommendations for classes here, but I know in CA there are several good schools. A basic class will teach you (at least mine did), how to walk with crampons, how to use an ice axe, including self-arrest, basic rope technique, glacier travel, crevasse rescue (not applicable in most part of the US I don't think), basic climbing techniques and basic mountain safety including how to place protection. We didn't use beacons, but I would definitely learn how to use one. I've probably left out a few things.