California Picture Thread

[Centurion]

While on the subject of locations in the US I would like to know what the weather is like in Places around LA like Santa monica and Santa Barbara. Off couse the weather over there is hot but I would like to know what the annual average temperature is, in celsius please.

Additionally I would mind you New Yorkers telling me what the weather is like over there, especially in Long Island. Do you experience harsh winters?

[Osnabrueck]

I live in Marina Del Rey, which is about 5 miles south of Santa Monica.

As a rule of thumb - the summer months bring temps can be anywhere from a low of 25 to a high of 30 or so, and typically it's appreciably cooler near the coast than it is inland (think downtown Los Angeles), where it's usually more like 30 to 35 degrees on a day like today. (Right now It's, 64ºf outside, and inland it's 72ºf)

During the winter months, temps range from mild to warm, but nights can become very cold.

Humidity is relatively high compared to inland microclimates, and during the months of June and July a marine layer is not uncommon.

So basically, the weather is fantastic. I'm very grateful to be living near the coast because temps get regulated, whereas the folks further inland swelter in on a day like today.

[Centurion]

It seem like you are pleased with the weather but I'm not sure I would be able to stand such temeratures 365 days a year. So you live in Marina Del Rey, cool. I have a couple of buddies who will be moving there in a few weeks. What's the area like, calm? Or is there alot of gangrapes, dogs with rabies and anthrax poisoning over there?

[Osnabrueck]

The coast of West LA is interesting in that the vibe swings wildly from one end to another in a relatively short distance.

Marina Del Rey could be best discribed as very upscale and very bland. Most of the actual Marina area consists of vast tracts of obscenely expensive and throughly uninteresting apartments. I've been to several, and they're not like homes - they're more like hotels where you live. Further west, there's some gorgeous homes, many of which are wonders of domestic architecture.

I won't bother mentioning nightlife, because there really isn't any. I'm sure people do fun stuff with their boats though.

Because of MDR's proximity to Venice and Santa Monica, there's plenty of vagrants that work their way into the surroundings off of PCH. It's not extreme, but it's always just enough to be an occasional irritant.

So sure, it's a very nice but generally unimpressive area. There's always a wierdo or two here and there, but nothing to be really concerned about. Rent is stratospheric, and nothing I'd ever justify were it not for the fact that my employer is located in MDR.

Venice is a sleasy bohemian dump that thrives on its own notoriety. There's things to like about the place, but I think the livibility factor is crap and the neighborhoods are extremely uneven.

What's truely impressive and charming is West Santa Monica. There's tons of homeless people, because of the city's sanctuary laws, but everything is still very clean and well kept. The area has a great street vibe that stays consistent through the sidestreets and alleyways. Lots of interesting restaurants, shops and the like as well as a great beach drag.

Believe me - you wouldn't grow sick of this weather. It's nice, nice and then some.

[Centurion]

^^
Thanks for the info mate.

[SDNR]

I know that info was for Lu, but it was great reading Josh ....you sure know LA very well.

[Centurion]

Is there anyone of you Cali citizens who can tell me a few words about Long beach. Safe, nice looking place?

[Osnabrueck]

LBC is up and down like nobody's business. It's all neighborhood by neighborhood - some areas are quite nice (read: expensive) and others are extremely sketchy (yet also expensive).

[Centurion]

Originally Posted by Osnabrueck

LBC is up and down like nobody's business. It's all neighborhood by neighborhood - some areas are quite nice (read: expensive) and others are extremely sketchy (yet also expensive).

Cool, what about Santa Barbara is that a nice place to live? Additionally I would like to hear what you have to say about South Central, ever been in projects around there?


I really appretiate your answers man, they are relly helping me decide what place I should choose to live in.

[Osnabrueck]

Santa Barbara is fantastic.

The catch is:
1 - It's very exclusive. Think about a pricey home or apartment... then add another zero to that figure.

2 - It's far removed from the greater LA area. Malibu is reasonably close to the action, SB isn't.

Parts of South Central definitely live up to the hype. You be amazed how much blight you can find in some neighborhoods. I'd give you a better anwer but I gotta get back to work!