Sacha Radford

It is not really advisable to get around without a car--there are no safe bike lanes, the buses are crowded and slow, and there are no trains, subways or trams. Walking around a direct neighborhood is ok, but for the most part, everything is very spread out. - Mon Apr 23 2007, 15:51

The traffic in Los Angeles is definitely a problem. There is really only one freeway going east and west and one going north and south through the main areas of L.A. Of course this causes major traffic jams starting around 2:00pm and lasting until 7 to 7:30 pm. The surface street traffic then is completely congested in the morning commute hours and between 4:00 to 7:30 in the evening. All the main 'artery' streets and canyon passes require a lot of patience during these hours and the roads are not known to be well-kempt--lots of pot holes, deep cracks etc. that take a real tole on one's car. Residents spend a lot of time in route here even just to go a few miles across town--it takes me 45 minutes to an hour to get home (9 miles from my office) on surface streets during rush hour--you must really love your car! The other main freeway going east and west, the 101, is just as bad as is the 110 freeway going through downtown. We desperately need a good public transit system here!!! Public transportation consists of buses and a subway that starts in Hollywood and goes east. Bus transit is just as time-consuming as if in a regular car and the Westside of Los Angeles does not have a fast way to get around--no subway, tram, etc. It is a major problem. A high-speed train going east and west, north and south needs to be installed for mass transit. People would definitely use it. However, the city isn't really designed for walking so getting from a station to a destination would not the easiest thing! Avoid the 10, 101, 405, 110 freeways from 7:30 am to 10:00 and from 2:00 to 7:30pm if possible. Wilshire, Pico, Olympic Blvds. and Laurel Canyon, La Cienega, Fairfax, La Brea and Highland are all very congested during these hours as well. Pacific Coast Highway is not as bad and if you need to access areas like Agoura or Calabasas, it's the best way to go and then cut through Malibu Canyon. - Mon Apr 23 2007, 15:51

The social scene in Los Angeles is as varied as the population. Whatever you're looking for, you're going to find. Salsa dancing is huge here at places like the Mayan downtown as is the classic Hollywood scene up on Sunset Blvd at clubs like Hyde and the Skybar. It's Hollywood so you're going to find lots of beautiful people out looking to be seen. There is a great artist culture here, so there are always fabulous concerts at large venues such as the Staples Center and the Hollywood Bowl, and also smaller arenas such as the Paladium, The Whiskey and the Wiltern Theater. All the biggest acts come through Los Angeles and one thing is for sure: you will never be bored here! If you're more low-key, there are always 1000 incredible restaurants to try. It's hard to pick a favorite and return to it as there are so many new ones to explore! Every kind of food is perfected in one of them and although it's a glamourous city, people tend to wear jeans almost everywhere. Southern California is known for its laid back yet elegant style--no tuxedos or cocktail dresses necessary! - Mon Apr 23 2007, 15:51

We have lots of great parks in Los Angeles. One of my favorites is the Laurel Canyon Dog Park which is over 3 acres and is studded with lovely trees spread out over gentle rolling lawns. A great place to take the paper and watch your dog have a ball! Probably the best urban outdoor area is Runyon Canyon in the Hollywood Hills--it has the most incredible view of the city by far--from the ocean to downtown and everything in between! Dogs can run off leash, and it's a great workout for the humans too! Running paths, hiking trails, outdoor yoga, views...and lots of celebrity spottings! There are numerous beaches and small public parks laced are throughout the city. My favorite beach is Temescal Canyon right at the foot of Pacific Palisades. Malibu is a dream too! - Mon Apr 23 2007, 15:51

Shopping in Los Angeles is divine! One can find anything they want in this city. There are numerous streets with miles of boutiques as well as wonderful indoor and outdoor shopping centers, farmers markets in every neighborhood, exotic imports, plus very high end shopping in areas such as Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive. Most of the world's most famous designers have stores in Los Angeles. Some of my favorite places to shop include: Montana Ave. in Santa Monica, Roberston Blvd. in Beverly Hills, 3rd. St. Promenade in Santa Monica, West 3rd. St. in the Miracle Mile area, The Grove in the Miracle Mile area, the Malibu Country Mart in Malibu, Topanga Canyon shops in Topanga Canyon, Abbot Kinney and Main Street in Venice Beach, and the Beverly Center and Rodeo Drive and Beverly Drive areas in Beverly Hills. Luxury and natural grocery stores such as Trader Joes, Bristol Farms, Whole Foods, Wild Oats, etc. are all over town and one never has to look far to find organic foods--especially at the local farmers' markets. - Mon Apr 23 2007, 15:51