Tim,
I've never done it straight. I've gone the other way, starting from Redondo Beach and stopping off in CI harbor for the night on our way to Santa Barbara.
The entire run is almost dead downwind. The wind gets light along the Malibu coast so angle off when you pass Pt. Dume before jibing in on the outer breakwall of MdR.
I've never run into any problems with Pt. Mugu or Port Hueneme. I stay seaward of the big bell buoys off the Port but otherwise, noone has harassed us.
As for your approach to MdR, there is nothing tricky about it. Just like CI harbor, there is an outer breakwall. Favor the southern entrance over the Northern.
Other than that, enjoy the sail. Its downwind, down swell and down current so it should be a smooth ride.
Jim McCone
Voice of Reason, E-32 Hull #134
Redondo Beach, CA