Just got back from San Diego and did some great flying with Orion Aviation at Palomar airport in Carlsbad (KCRQ). They're very friendly and the planes are in good shape (they have their own maintenance). I think they have 2 172SPs although I didn't fly them.
I believe that they do have daily minima (I think you'll find that everywhere does) but it seemed like the sort of place where you could work out a deal.