I can agree with about everything on here. Up here where I'm at now is the time to buy a bicycle. It's cold, and to most people riding a bike is the farthest thing form their minds- so all the LBS's are quiet and lonely waiting for spring. Of course in SoCai that might not apply. I'd try several bike shops as well. Many may have remnant bikes- a a year or few old but new and marked down substantially. You'll still get the full warranty and all the perks the LBS offers. A couple weeks ago, I bought a new 2012 that was $699 new but $435 on clearance.

If a shop has a nice used bike you like, go ahead and dicker. I did, and wound up with an unused nifty titanium job for the price of a new middle grade hybrid. You won't get a manufacturer's warranty, but you should get all or most of the perks of buying a new one- like accessory discounts and a free service after a year. Just find out what they offer on new bikes first!