I have had them in inland Orange County and here in coastal San Diego. They need some sun protection, will not color in the fall, will need irrigation, and the tips of the leaves will probably burn a little toward the end of the summer from the hard water. However, they do reasonably well in the right locations.

I have a Shin Deshojo in my entrance (planted in the ground). It is extremely colorful in the spring. Its new foliage is apricot and neon pink and the pink lasts on the edges of the leaves into early July. For some reason, this year instead of turning brown before dropping its leaves, it turned bright gold. I have no idea why. Unfortunately, it has proved to be a faster and bigger grower than its advertised size, so I don't know what to do with it.

The red leaf and lace leaf varieties are supposed to be more delicate.

This is good information. I grew them in Georgia with acidic soil and 50 inches of rain a year. They were gorgeous. I just find it difficult to believe they will do well in San Diego. I have actually never seen one anywhere in San Diego.

They can do well if in a protected site, such as an enclosed patio which limits "abuse" from excess wind and sunlight. Another potential hazard/stress is the extreme low humidity -- from santana winds -- which scorches the region periodically.

They are all over my nabe, which is 10a in LA.. Someone must have planted one, and other people followed suit, they are all the dark red versions.

The best that I have found for full sun in Sonoma County (not quite as warm as you) are 'Tobiosho', 'Seiryu' and 'Pung Kil'. I have all in full sun, all color reliably in autumn (which as noted above is very unusual for CA since most crisp up so much in summer that there is nothing left to color in fall) and all look good almost all summer long. All the rest I have gotten rid of or moved into full shade.

It is hit and miss with them, with more misses than hits. I've seen some in my neighborhood (south OC) and at a strip mall micro-climate that look very nice throughout the year. Others struggle only look good a portion of the year. It seems the micro-climate, soil, water quality, and cultivar/species needs to come together for them to thrive. Into the colder winter foothill areas a bit they do much better and provide reliable autumn color.

Mine, in pots, perk up after letting rainwater leach the soil, but that is a temporary lift. Autumn color is not assured; 'Sango-kaku' had one fabulous red branch/golden color during a colder autumn year and the A.p. ver. dissectum has occasional nice red foliage.

So, it might be possible, but the odds are slimmer than for other choices that they will thrive, unless there is evidence of others in the neighborhood already doing so. There are so many other nice trees available, much more adapted to the climate. Yes, Japanese maples are special. But here they are often a lot more work to get even 1/3 the enjoyment plants--mine know they are only steps away from the green waste bin half of the year.

I plant them in Los Angeles area. north side of buildings / landscape have to have shade from west and south sun. They grow.. moisture and shade are necessary.

What really makes a good climate-appropriate option for a JM is a Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.) Small, slow growing, elegant tree that is picturesque and makes a great specimen. Flowers that attract hummingbirds, glaucous foliage, gorgeous dark red bark, fascinating shapes. Look for a species that will work in your Sunset zone. I like Arctostaphylos 'Austin Griffiths', A. pungens, A. glauca.