Welcome from Southern California! You've come to the right place for all sorts of info and pro advice. I've had chickens for just over one year and can say that no matter what the books and websites say, each chicken definitely has her/his own personality. I have six different breeds amongst thirteen hens, and they all get along just fine. They establish their pecking order and that's that, at least that's what I've experienced. Definitely do search this site and you'll get tons of good info. Best of luck and have fun!
I think you should get six. Yes, that's a good number. That's the number I thought would be good when I actually ended up with eight by the third visit to the feed store during that first brooding period. (Got four, picked up two more, one died in the second week, hadda replace it and can't bring home just one single chick, y'know. Two is better, but after picking them out - look - there's a breed I think I'd like! Its only one more..)