San Diego trees

I have an appreciation for black and white photos.  The thing is, I am a big color guy at heart.  So I mostly convert to black and white when I feel the color version isn't working.  I would like to change that and learn more about the art and science behind black and white photography.  Do folks that primarily do black and white actually think in black and white?  What I mean is, is there a different way of looking at a scene when you anticipate it will be a black and white photo?  I suspect there is.  I don't really know but I want to hear what you all think about it...

This shot was taken back in October in San Diego, CA.  If was a weirdly foggy day (isn't Southern California supposed to be the land of eternal sunshine?) and I had a little spare time, so I walked out from my hotel and cruised around for a bit.  You can see part of the San Diego skyline in the distance.  It's a great town for photography, even when the sun isn't shining!