Yeah, definitely early. It's a lot easier now that the sun is up early. You can get a good 3+ hours in before work if you want.
But, if I can't ride early, I do try to hit the shadier routes, and avoid the very exposed ones. The coast is usually pleasant, and coming back via Tunitas Creek is a good break from the sun (it's still not an easy climb, but the scenery takes your mind off of that a little).