Having lived in the Western US for many years, I'm a big fan of beer with flavor, although some of the stuff in SOCAL is absolutely over the top with hops and alcohol content.
For my taste buds, the master brewer at East End has absolutely broken the code on very flavorful beer with a reasonable level of alcohol content. I tried the IPA, the Oatmeal Stout, and a hoppy wheat beer - all were very tasty examples of their types, with ABV in the 4.5 - approximately 6% range. Drinking beer is an activity that is best enjoyed with friends and to get crocked after 2 pints is simply ridiculous. A brewer who can achieve a great flavor profile without excessive alcohol content is to be commended.
The vibe here is also great, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and it's dog friendly! The only improvement I could suggest would be reliable food trucks; apparently they schedule to be around then if they get a better offer they fail to arrive. Bummer, but everyone's got to make a living.
Give East End a try! I'm betting you'll find something you really like, and you'll certainly enjoying the relaxing atmosphere.