Your fellow Canuck spent a few days in SoCal in late Feb; here's what little advice I can offer:
-Barona from San Diego, location wise, would be like driving from T.O. to somewhere south of Barrie, except add mountains...it's a trek, but a beautiful drive in spots. I missed the turn twice, missed my tee-time and never got to tip it up.
-Torrey Pines South is ok but not worth the dough, IMO. Setting is very nice, especially for a Canuck in December.
-Rustic Canyon is absolutely superb...a revelation in what affordable public golf can be. I walked off the 18th green and headed straight to the 1st tee for another go-around. I'm still thinking of different ways I could have played holes.