For your needs, either a derailleur or IGH-equipped bike will work just fine. Rust will not be an issue on any quality bicycle if you take care of it (you'd need to leave in the elements for quite a while before rust would really become an issue - the salty air does help rust thrive, but it still takes time).
Derailleurs
The derailleur-equipped bike will give you a wider gear range and perhaps a little bit closer gearing (closer "steps" between gears) than an IGH. Once set up and adjusted properly, you should not have to worry about your derailleurs, except for a one-time quarter (or half, or whatever) turn of the adjustment barrels as the cables stretch during break-in.
However, derailluer-equipped bikes have some drawbacks when compared to an IGH. First of all, a 27-speed bike with 3 chainrings up front and 9 speeds out back will probably only have 13-14 useful gears (not duplicates with other combinations or "cross-chained" combinations), so he comparison with an 8,9 or 11 speed IGH becomes a bit easier. The Harris Cylery (Sheldon Brown) gear calulator can really help you determine what works for you.
IGH
IGH's offer a simple, clean, low maintenance, easy to use system that can accommodate reasonably hilly terrain with loads. Gear selection is really a no fuss process, and you can change gears when stopped. You don't have to worry about your chainline (cross-chaining) or optimal front/rear combinations, and the system is much easier to keep clean. (simple wipe/lube of the chain and you are good to go. No pulleys, pivots, multiple cogs/chainrings to fuss with). Maintenance intervals on the IGH system make them virtually maintenance free. A new oil/fluid bath every 5-10k miles should keep you in business for years. The straight chain line and steel rear cog tends to result in much longer lifespan for the chain and cog and cheaper replacement cost when the time comes to do the maintenance.
The downsides to IGH systems lie primarily with the "steps" or gaps between gears and the overall gear range. The Shimano 8 speed system, for example, offers a pretty wide gear range, with larger steps between the gears than you'd find on a comparable road/hybrid derailleur system. This difference is less noticeable on wide-gear range derailleured bikes such as mountain and touring bikes with larger range in the rear cogs.
Belt Drive
I'd still qualify this drive system as being in its early stages of existence - experimental.
I've put about 2,000 miles on my belt-driven (IGH equipped) bike, including some aggressive single track riding in "cyclocross" mode, and so far, so good. The system has some real potential, IMO. It is MUCH cleaner than a chain system, requiring almost no upkeep, and it works quite well from what I've seen. It is sensitive to rear wheel alignment, but if everything is squared up it works beautifully.
The wrap up
Personally, I like IGH's for just about every type of biking except racing. I've ridden most types of bikes, raced, commuted, on road, off road, you name it since the late 70's. I'm at home on bicycles. I love IGH's and see no need to use a derailleur system for my needs (commuting, errands, general fitness, fun).
The Bryant is a very nice bike, but 8sp Alfine bikes (and some 11sp Alfine bikes) can be found for less.
Alot depends on your preferences. A correct fit is paramount, and it is difficult to assess fit on your own.
Try test riding several different styles of bikes and get some professional (knowledgeable bike shop) advice on fit considerations for your purposes. A racing fit will be different than a touring fit or commuting fit.
Ride drop bar bikes - cyclocross, touring, club racer - flat bar bikes - sport hybrid, townie, etc etc. Get an idea for what works for you.
I'd avoid picking by aesthetics alone - getting a drop bar bike because it looks cool is a bad choice. If it is more comfortable and natural for you, go for it.
Then check out your options.
Brakes - disc, internal or rim are fine. If your weather was consistently wet or icy I'd say disc or internal, but SoCal levels the playing field IMO.
EDIT: noticed the updated posts where OP mentions steel - that post hit while I was composing this, so bear in mind there are some aluminum bikes in the mix below.
For the money,
this bike looks like a potential winner in the "sport hybrid" category, with the Shimano Alfine 11 speed system.
More sporty hybrids with 8 and 11 speed IGHs can be found:
http://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=4078
http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/perf.../cadent-i8-11/
http://www.swobo.com/catalog/product...Path=2448_2449
http://www.rei.com/product/809921
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/....0/7342/44056/
More casual:
http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/stee...e-roadster-11/
http://www.globebikes.com/us/en/glob...sp?pid=11LIVE3
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes.../soho/sohodlx/
http://www.swobo.com/catalog/product...Path=2448_2569
http://www.rei.com/product/809007