to Los Angeles from North Carolina. I have a film degree so I am giving it a go out here. I will say that L.A is HUUUUGE compared to where I lived in N.C and even compared to Orlando where I went to school. The roads are also terrible. I've only been here a week now but I like it so far.

 

welcome!!

 

welcome to la dude. depending on where you at come out to the meets.

 

I'm on Culver right before Marina Del Rey.

 

Welcome to SoCal.

 

Congrats on the move! Since you're on the westside, you should check out the Ricky & Ronnie's meet in Torrance this Thursday evening:
https://g35driver.com/forums/socal-m...ery-month.html

 

first rule of L.A. - figure out how to maneuver through the city without taking the freeways.

second rule of L.A. - if it takes more than 30 minutes to get to your house, you're a freakin' geographic undesirable (G.U.) might as well see you on the weekends.

third rule of L.A. - MAKE THE LEFT TURN ON RED! I know it goes against your training, but as you yield in one of the many god damn unprotected intersections, and you need to make a left turn, creep out and realize that you will make it on red, maybe well after that too. that's life in L.A., just go with the program.

yes, there is always traffic on the 405/10/101/5/91/60/Sunset blvd/Sepulveda Blvd/La Cienega/Lincoln/Wilshire . . . although Washington Blvd and surprisingly Hollywood blvd move quickly.

You live on Culver right before Marina del Rey huh? Nice area. The Shack in Playa del Rey has some of the best burgers in the Westside and is a great dive bar too. Culver City itself is known for its up and coming restaurant/bar row.

 

Welcome to SOCAL!!!!!

 

Welcome to LA. Yes if you look you can find good BBQ. Your Carolina style chopped pork with a mustard based sauce is served by a lot of posers. Enjoy our fine diversity of ethnic foods.....

 

I agree with these and I'd like to add:

Keep your windows rolled up especially while you're at a stop waiting at the light.

Don't stare at anybody.

Keep your doors locked at all times.

Don't leave anything visible in your car.

Always know where you're going. I can't emphasize this enough. If you don't, the consequences can be fatal, depending on which "hood" you happen to get lost at or turn down the wrong street.

The farthest left lane is the fast lane. I know, it's an unwritten rule, but in L.A. it's literally that. If someone's tailgating you, get the heck out of their way and let them through. Again, it could cost you if you don't.

In L.A., go with the flow of traffic. If the flow's driving 30mph, do just that. If the flow's driving 90mph, do just that.

The HOV or Diamond lane is 24/7 in L.A. Learn where the entrance and exits of these lanes.

Long Beach is not as bad as it used to be.

Welcome to L.A.!

 

Ha thanks for all the welcomes and tips guys. The left turn on red is something that I've been doing since I could drive. I don't come from a big city in N.C but everyone there did it too, so I'm used to it.

Is L.A really that dangerous that I need to have my windows up all the time when driving? The weather is so much cooler here than in N.C that I like to ride around with my windows down.

I am still getting used to the area. I have a friend in Hollywood so I've driven out there a couple of times, been to Venice and Santa Monica a lot (can ride my bike there), been to Torrence, Culver City and I think that is about it. My roommate flew home as soon as I got here pretty much and doesn't get back until Tuesday so I am on my own.

Again, thanks for all of the welcomes, I appreciate it. My buddy hopefully hooked me up with a job at Bunim-Murray production company in Van Nuys - I have an interview there on Tuesday, wish me luck!

edit - also on the drive out here I noticed a pretty bad vibration in my car at around 80mph. I am hoping it is just an alignment issue, but I want to take it into an Infiniti dealer. Any suggestions on the best one to take it to?

 

Certain parts... some of the "hoods" near K-Town are pretty bad. haha

 

Get to know some of the folks who are part of the G family in SoCal. That way they can steer you away from the dangerous places.

I can tell you horrid stories of some of the newbies who'd recently moved to L.A or visitors of L.A. who turned down the "wrong" street.

I know the weather's nice, but just be careful and beware of your surrounding all the time.

And seriously, don't stare at anybody. And if anybody's tailgating you to get you out of their way, just let them. One time, I couldn't move fast enough because of heavy traffic when some jerk was tailgating me, when I finally got out of his way, he pointed a gun @ me while he passed me up. Just be very careful.

 

^^That's scary. I will definitely be careful. Where I have been so far seems pretty safe but I am sure looks can be deceiving.

What is the best Infiniti dealer in town? I need to have a couple things checked out on my car but don't want to take it to a bad dealer. Don't want to take it to just a normal shop either b/c it is still under warranty.

 

Don't drive in my Neighborhood.... Boy'z in tha Hood, & Menace 2 Society were filmed here. It's gotten a lot better. But just be aware of your surroundings. I've lived 42 years here. I take my car to Glendale Infiniti. Other work tires, brakes, hoses, suspension I go to Westside Brake & tires right in Culver city. It's Very close to you. 310-636-4445 ask for William tell him David with the G-35 sent you. He'll give you the Good Guy price.