Good one. I agree. Damn, we’re some spoiled San Diego bastards, aren’t we?
I like a (back of the house)southern exposure for the all-day light you get in your living areas. You also don’t get the direct, through-your-windows and in-your-eyes sunlight that you get later in the day with a western exposure.
Southeast is nice, too. You get the morning sun to warm up your house and brighten your breakfast, but not too much afternoon sun.
For feng shui, I’m pretty sure the direction of the front door is what’s important.