Grew up in San Diego since my family is been there for almost 100 years. I bought my first (non-kid) bike not far from where you live. It was a LBS called Zumwalts and sold Schwins, on University near Texas. It is a great area for biking with the velodrom and Balboa Park nearby. Last year while visiting I rode out on the eastern end of highway (not the freeway) 94 to Tecate Mexico. I have lately become nostalgic for all of the great road rides I used to do before all of the growth and development.
Anyway Good Luck