I agree that your location is super important. Being from California I usual get my stuff within two to three days (from the time they ship it) from just about any shop California I order from. Here are my favorites:
Morebeer- Pros: good selection, good prices, love the $59 free shipping (regular shipping is not too bad either), friendly help. Also, they have a shop in Irvine, don't know how close that is to you, but if you are between LA and SD can't be too far. Cons, they run out stuff sometimes which blows. Also, usually takes them a few days to actually ship, sometimes it's fast but sometimes it can take them up to 5 days.
www.morebeer.comWilliams Brewing- Pros: Order placed by 4 pm ship the next day, so I usually can get my stuff within 2 to 3 days of ordering. Nice website, good but not amazing selection. Reasonable shipping rates. Cons: Prices are a little higher, but not crazy. Service is good for shipping etc, brew knowledge is just ok if you need help since they are an internet only based shop.
www.williamsbrewing.comThe Beverage People- Pros: Pros: Really great service and family own. Fast, flat rate shipping. Solid inventory. Cons: princes are a little higher but again not crazy, website could be a lot better. thebeveragepeople.com.
I also use Northern Brewer now and then because of there selection, but less so since they stopped flat rate shipping. I have also used Rebel Brewer, Brewers Warehouse, and Midwest Supply. All of which have done a great job. Though I do try to keep it in California if I can.
Good luck!!!