No offense to your county sheriff friend but if you go to Gunsite (their classes are the most expensive starting at $750) Badlands (their classes start at $150...a STEAL!) or Front Sight, or Chuck Taylor's academy, you will most likely learn more than he can teach you.
Unfortunately, CZ85 is currently not on California DoJ approved list for handguns. I too recommend you consider the CZ75B and a .22lr Kadet Kit. The trigger smooths out quite a bit after about 500 rounds and the rubber grips feel great. In my area, unfortunately, it's hard to find a shooting range that has CZ's for rent. . .Amib controls=CZ85 combat....
I would recommend a medium frame, double action .357 with a 4" barrel in stainless steel. This is about the most versatile gun you can have if you only have one.
You can shoot .38 special target loads for mild recoiling fun loads all the way up to hot and heavy .357 mag loads for hunting deer and everything in between. You can also use shot loads if you are in snake country. The revolver will generally be less finicky than a semi-auto in regards to ammo that you use and in maintenance needed.