Realise you wanted comments on ME but for what it is worth........I did 50 hours single engine hour building late (ish) last year so can't comment at all on the competency of the instructors (other than for a 1 hr checkout which was a non event). Mostly young guys all chasing the airline dream as is pretty typical of the US flight schools. Seemed a nice bunch of people although I wasn't really around that much as I was just "picking up or dropping off". No problems with aircraft availability or reliability at all, in fact I had my pick of the fleet. Student numbers were down considerably I was told and that was pretty evident. All being put down to 9/11. You should have fun.
If you haven't done already have a search in private flying for tips on places to go/things to see on the west coast. Also loads of advice on high density altitude flying and dealing with the marine layer (smog) which might put you ahead of the game if you decide to head out there.