I grew up in El Cajon so I recommend it completly. When I was over there I flew with Golden State flying club, located at the other side of Gillespie.
And I flew to Catalina (with an instructor) and in spite of strong wind from the side, he let me land..and I must "brag" because I did a pretty good job of it!
For anyone interested here is my report, with pictures, of that flight:
http://www.dorrie.de/Flying/FlightLogs/1996catalina.htm