I used Phil Binggeli (619.222.9200). I was happy with his inspection and he took the time to go over the items in his report so that I understood what he was commenting on, and whether he personally felt like it was a big deal or just an item on his checklist. He also identified things that were outside his expertise or scope of inspection, which to me is just as valuable (or more so) than the inspection report itself.
Hope that helps.

I used Pete the inspector, you can see here on Yelp:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/socal-home-inspections-san-diego

The inspection he did for me yielded a lot of information on the house and also on maintenance. I actually emailed him twice months later for advice on fixing some thing in the house and in both cases he gave me good advices.

I generally recommend Parra Building consultants.
619-232-1100
They have torpedoed several deal (including with Piggs who can attest to this).
To me, that is a motivator to use them again.
They are honest and blunt.
Very recently, a Pigg used them in deal and they basically said “there’s nothing really wrong”.
Knowing how skeptical they are, this is a much more real statement to me (and my Pigg buyer).
They are CREIA and ASHI members.

Also, I was turned on to somebody of a similar skill level by AFX. Neil Muckler is very skilled in every way except socially. He has a strong distaste for agents and that turned me off. I prefer disinterested (like the Parra family) over loathing.
That being said, he really knew his shit.
And my description of him is a common one.

Finally, Deberry (aka homesite) are great.
They killed a deal for me last week based upon blunt and fair criteria coupled with a panicked buyer.
Their results were reasonable and diligent.
The problem in the deal was the fact that the buyer wanted us to replace the slab in a condo (?!?!?!?).

I don’t recommend using online review guides.
The last guy a client found on there would not go under the house because it was muddy. After telling me how dangerous this is (it isn’t), he informed me the slab was cracked. I am not sure how this was possible considering that the house is on a raised foundation (which means there is no slab).

In short, there is no license for home inspection and good online reviews probably mean the inspector is good at gaming review sites. Stick with someone who has good memberships and good professional review bona fides.

I also recommend Parra Building Consultants. Call their office and they will quote you a price. Dennis did an inspection for us last week. He was very thorough, and took the time to answer our many questions.