I want to get my first tattoo sometime in the next month but I dont know where to go. How do I know who is trustworthy and who would be best for the type of design I want? Anyone have advice for a really good shop in San Diego, Long Beach or Orange County?
Thanks!

Too Bad your not up here in Tuolumne, CA area. There is Tree at West Side Ink who does a great job!

Try Outer Limits they have 4 OC locations. I got two tattoos at the Anaheim location but the artist I went to is no longer there.

If you're in San Diego, try Absoulute tattoo, I've had 3 tats done there, nice place, clean, and the artists are really good, Ask for Chris "Buddy Love" Wilson, he's awesome.
They have a website you can check out too, http://www.absolute.tattoo.net or
http://www.absolute.tattoo.net/info.htm
for info on the artists.

Travelheart, you find your artist yet?