After trying many places in the area, we only do Rancho Valencia now. We book two "casitas" now to get the whole building and it creates a very private environment for us and our kids. There are villas as well for essentially the price of 3 or 4 casitas, so they aren't too bad either. Perhaps when the kids are older, we'll get one when we feel safer with the private pool. Like KatW mentioned, it's not exactly the most unique stand out property, but it all works well. Food is great, service is good, the pool is nice, the spa is good, and the gym is large and well stocked. For the price it's really tough to beat IMO for California as well. It's close enough to anything you'd want to do while being far enough away to be quiet and peaceful.

Perhaps one day there will be something truly exceptional that stands above around San Diego, but for now we have no reason to really try anything else in the area.