Will I be able to fly at night?  How about in clouds?

Yes, the normal course of flight training for a private pilot certificate includes training for night operations.  A recreational pilot license does not require night experience, but has many other limitations that make that rating virtually useless in the Southern California area.  Although training is required for instrument flight in case of an accidental encounter with instrument conditions (clouds or low visibility), to fly in the clouds legally requires a separate additional instrument rating with extensive in-depth training.