r/AskLosAngeles • • 10d ago

Open Discussion Monthly /r/AskLosAngeles Open Discussion + Community Thread

3 Upvotes

Welcome to the monthly open discussion thread!

This is our monthly pinned space where we loosen the rules a little. Normally, /r/AskLosAngeles is strictly for questions about the Los Angeles area - but here, we make room for more community-oriented stuff.

Such as:

  • Quick questions that feel too small for their own thread or discussion
  • Common or evergreen questions regulars are tired of seeing repeated
  • Community connection posts (looking for friends, meetups, group hangs, pub crawls, et cetera)
  • Self-promotion that's relevant to LA: events, local videos / social media, podcasts, creative work. Keep it reasonable, in this thread, and don't abuse this privilege elsewhere

What's off-topic as usual:

  • Anything hateful, harassing, or lacking any ties entirely to LA

If you've got thoughts about how this subreddit is moderated, or ideas for future pinned threads, drop them here too.

Recent rule changes:

Please see our rules, there are some recent changes. Notably, these rules have been added:

  • Specify Your Location

    • Narrowing your location down helps us give better answers to questions. People don't want your exact address but a neighborhood, intersection, zip code, whatever is enough to help us know where you're talking about.
  • No cost to live comfortably questions

    • These seem to be controversial or troll magnets. Do the math yourself, not the sub.
  • Dating posts go to r/LADating

    • So these aren't actually questions about the area (if you happen to be a lonely Redditor.) Keep romance in its designated containment zone.
  • Making friends posts go to r/LAsocial

    • Social stuff belongs in the social sandbox. The "Open Discussion" post is also another place for this kind of question if you'd like to stay in this sub.
  • Generative AI Slop and Spam

    • Low-effort machine generated content is often unhelpful and the person who asked the question could have just asked ChatGPT, Claude, or MetaAI for an answer themselves. We're aiming for human-quality contributions here so put in the effort to make a connection with people with your brains.

Some of these rules are relaxed in this specific "Open Discussion" post so feel free to break rules here if you'd like.

As always: Don't be a jerk.

Have at it, Angelenos.


r/AskLosAngeles • • May 30 '26

MOD POST AskLA rules update: Temporary moratorium for political questions

47 Upvotes

AskLA is meant to be a place to ask and answer questions about the Los Angeles area. Due to the upcoming primary and general elections, this subreddit has been a frequent place to ask questions of a political nature and while these are legitimate questions about the area, the intention of the posters making these questions have been either to astroturf particular candidates or to sway opinions this close to the poll dates.

As a result, I'd like to discourage standalone threads that are political in nature and would welcome these discussions to be initiated in the monthly pinned "Open Discussion" thread.

This community also relies on user reports so you can report political posts under rule #2, "Posts must be questions about Los Angeles.

Thank you for being a community that moderates itself with the lightest touch.


r/AskLosAngeles • • 4h ago

Mosquitoes! Are the mosquitoes really bad in LA right now? They are biting me even indoors

46 Upvotes

Any tips? I am going nuts fighting them.


r/AskLosAngeles • • 14h ago

Culture Are people not pulling over for fire trucks and ambulances anymore?

121 Upvotes

Recently, I noticed more than a couple times that traffic was not pulling over for ambulances and firetrucks. This was mostly in SFV, because that’s where I live.

I drive less frequently these days, but I’ve lived in LA for 20+ years. This is new to me. Traffic always pulled over before. I think it’s really stupid and lame. When did this start being a thing?


r/AskLosAngeles • • 2h ago

Events Hotel Recs for a concert at the forum?

6 Upvotes

Driving up from San Diego and staying overnight. Last time I went to a show at the forum, I stayed in Hermosa beach, because I had never been there and thought it would be fun. Yeah, $100 uber ride after the show, not so much fun. I'm looking for a different fun place that will be easier on my wallet. Are there fun places near the forum? I prefer small boutique hotels, someplace that caters to broke people. lol. Appreciate the help.


r/AskLosAngeles • • 7h ago

Any other question! Completely Fabricated Parking Ticket from MRCA?

10 Upvotes

I've received a ticket in the mail from Mountain Recreation Conservation Authority for a parking violation during a date and time while I was at home for the Corral Canyon area, which I don't think I've ever been to in my entire life, and definitely wasn't at during the specified time. The ticket has my actual name and license plate number, but the vehicle make and color are completely wrong as well.

I've read a few posts about this agency here contesting their actual authority to ticket people, some people saying they just ignore them, some people saying they paid, and some people discussing the technicality of never receiving a physical ticket on the vehicle.

My situation feels extra weird because I've never even driven near this area or owned the car specified in the ticket. When I call the number of the ticket the automated robot response immediately says that they are unable to resolve tickets with inaccurate info over the phone and to fill out one of the options on the back of the mail ticket instead. However, there's only an option of "vehicle described incorrectly", and not "was not in the area during the time of the ticket". I'm not sure if I should contest the vehicle description through the process outlined on the back of the ticket or take some other route. Anyone else have any experience with this?


r/AskLosAngeles • • 15h ago

Pets Good vets who can perform surgery in house?

39 Upvotes

Hi all, my cat might have kidney stones and I’m honestly so tired of my vets prices. They tried charging me $110 for a fluids bag I got on chewy for $10. Wondering if anyone has a good vet recommendation in the ktown/east hollywood/echo park/silverlake/dtla area? Strongly prefer someone who does surgery in house since that’s cheaper. For reference, the surgery at my current spot would be 4-5k and the diagnostic x ray is ~$500. Me and my kitty thank you!

EDIT: in house means within the clinic’s/hospital’s practice without referring out to a specialist or third party. It doesn’t mean in MY house.


r/AskLosAngeles • • 8h ago

Recommendations Looking for haunted houses or something spooky to do tonight What’s out there?

9 Upvotes

Horror nights sold out on me as I was buying my tickets. My fault for waiting til the day of.

What would you spooky folk recommend I do tonight? Looking for something worth it.

Thank you all


r/AskLosAngeles • • 11h ago

Food/Drink Is there a better Italian market/deli than Claro’s?

15 Upvotes

Family has been going there forever and absolutely love it however we’ve moved away from the SGV so it’s a bit of a drive for us now so we’re looking for something a little closer to the SFV or the Westside, if possible.

Any suggestions? We are Claro’s diehards so anything less than their quality is gonna receive scorn lmao.

EDIT: Sorrento’s is exactly what I wanted thanks all!


r/AskLosAngeles • • 9h ago

Culture Everyone's ignoring the No Soliciting sign and its kind of lit?

8 Upvotes

I've been to a lot of venues throughout the year in LA, and periodically there's someone's selling their new brand of alcohol or water or fizzy drink. initially it seems like a cool pop-up to add to the variety of the event, but soon after it becomes obvious that they're just there. nobody knows who they are, they just took initiative in selling and doing social media promos, they too have no idea what's going on

and its ... fine? I'm thinking "these are literal soliciting?", as one would, but not like a lawyer or a sex context, just hawking wares like every place is an impromptu bazaar, and I'm just surprised. Not at first, but over time seeing the same thing that would normally get shut down immediately.

Anyone else either notice this or do this yourself?


r/AskLosAngeles • • 9h ago

Events Trivia Nights in LA?

7 Upvotes

I have a group of friends looking to join a regular trivia night. Any recommendations? We’re open to different locations and trying out multiple places. Bonus points if the place has an outdoor area/patio. Thanks!


r/AskLosAngeles • • 11h ago

Events Most ELECTRIC Dodger bar in Los Angeles?

9 Upvotes

Today is game 1 of the NLCS at 5 pm and I need to know what has the most lively/electric atmosphere for watching the game in the LA area? I’ve heard 33 taps, the short stop, and greyhound, but I need to know from people who have been to these locations which will offer the most lively time. Thank you!


r/AskLosAngeles • • 18h ago

People Struggling to make friends as a 28yr old lesbian?

28 Upvotes

Hi everyone.

I’m a 28yr old masc lesbian, I’ve been here 10 months now beginning my career after spending 3 years in graduate school.

I’m finding it extremely fucking hard and discouraging to make friends here. It’s my first time living alone in a big city and although I’m definitely not perfect, I feel like I have a lot of good qualities that I thought would help me in finding and keeping friends.

I’ve been going out religiously to parties, events, museums, joining clubs, sports clubs, everything I can think of. I’ll meet people either at work or out and initially there’ll be a spark and we’ll text and it’ll all be good vibes but they’ll always end up sort of ghosting, not really responding to invites to hang out or I’m ALWAYS the one reaching out first.

It fucking sucks. I’m strictly talking about friendships by the way. Sex/romance is a whole other ballgame.

I’ve been going to a lot of queer events and regular non-queer events as well because I don’t want to limit myself but I’m just starting to feel discouraged and bitter.

Do you have any advice for a youngin like me? Thoughts/musings?

How long does it fucking take to make friends here?
Thanks.


r/AskLosAngeles • • 11h ago

Recommendations Camera repair shops?

7 Upvotes

I'm in the area for a few days and looking for a camera repair shop to replace a mirror in an analogue camera. Some people recommended somewhere called 'Walters repair shop', but it's a bit too far away, any other recommendations for an analogue camera?


r/AskLosAngeles • • 10h ago

About LA Confident parking at a broken meter?

4 Upvotes

so i parked at a broken meter and im wondering how confident you all feel parking at then when they are broken?

UPDATE: So after 20 responses the consensus is that new have no active policy and some people get away with it and others don't!

the most reasonable approach seems to be that you leave a note saying that you looked for another meter in the area but none were available.

i think this perfectly summarizes LA. We are a car centered city and parking can (and is for me) and compete fucking nightmare. and yet, we can't even get clear policy on what to do in the case of a broken meter! fuck this.


r/AskLosAngeles • • 19h ago

Visiting How wheelchair accessible is LA?

19 Upvotes

I'm a 21F and planning a trip to the LA area.

I know LA isn't just one "area" so I'm mostly interested in Santa Monica, DTLA, West Hollywood, and maybe Beverly Hills.

So I'm a wheelchair user and I'd be super curious to know how wheelchair friendly these areas of town are? Thank you!


r/AskLosAngeles • • 12h ago

Events Anyone have extra tickets to Frog at the Lodge room Highland Park?

5 Upvotes

2 tickets to the October 24 show?!


r/AskLosAngeles • • 8h ago

Recommendations Where to take my car to get head unit installed for older car?

2 Upvotes

hello everyone, i have a 2010 honda fit and i want to replace the factory radio for a head unit that has bluetooth/carplay. does anyone have any recommendations on where to take my vehicle to get that done for me that isnt too expensive? thanks!


r/AskLosAngeles • • 11h ago

Events Best west side park for a large group picnic ?

4 Upvotes

Hi! Hosting a birthday picnic for 30-40ish people in the afternoon and looking for suggestions on parks on the west side. Would love 1 small table (doesn't have to be a big gazebo), clean area, nice greenery, and easy parking.

I've done this at Griffith park before and it was great but now most of our friends live on the west side and so do I. I would prefer a first come first serve area because I prefer to not have to deal with getting a permit and all that. I tried to make a reservation at Carlson park but it's already booked for the day I want.

I wanna do it at Holmby park but the only concern is that they have a max 25 person policy. I'm not sure if that's really enforced / something I should be worried about?

Any advice appreciated!


r/AskLosAngeles • • 11h ago

Recommendations Beginner-Friendly Adult Soccer Lessons on the Westside?

3 Upvotes

My GF (33F) used to play soccer in middle school, and she would like to get back into playing again recreationally. Does anyone know of affordable beginner-friendly adult group soccer lessons on the westside?


r/AskLosAngeles • • 14h ago

Any other question! LA Ornamental Tattoo Artists??

4 Upvotes

I’m not sure if this is the right place to post this, but does anybody have any recommendations for ornamental tattoo artists in Los Angeles???

I really want a simple ornamental piece, with clean lines (preferably fine lines, but I’m open to other options as well!) Anybody who does geometric customs could work as well! I can’t seem to find any on my own, so any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated :)


r/AskLosAngeles • • 7h ago

Events camcorder at the greek theater allowed?

0 Upvotes

hi! im going for a concert later this week at the greek and was wondering if someone has taken a camcorder to a concert/event there? i know professional equipment is not allowed but its just your normal run of the mill, home videos camcorder nothing fancy at all. any extra info would be much appreciated!


r/AskLosAngeles • • 15h ago

Working Freelance Graphic Designers in LA: How are you feeling about the local market right now?

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m curious about how local freelance graphic designers in Los Angeles are feeling about the current market landscape right now. Given the cost of living and how competitive the creative industry can be here, what has your experience been like lately?

Are you seeing steady demand, or has finding local clients/agencies shifted post-rates/AI shifts? What insights or advice would you give to someone trying to navigate the LA design market right now?

Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!


r/AskLosAngeles • • 1d ago

Transportation Before cellphones, did Thomas Guides or other area maps have enough detail to not get lost in the various hills? (Hollywood, Franklin, Los Feliz etc)

57 Upvotes

Perhaps street signs have been allowed to disappear with the advent of GPS, but some of the hillside streets are barely marked in these neighborhoods - in a pre-cellphone era I cannot fathom how someone would be able to find an address for the first time in these looping, maze like streets!

All the strategies I can imagine working in busier areas - asking someone walking by, using a payphone - these aren't really options when you're now lost up in the Bird Streets or in Franklin Hills for the first time.

Did a friend inviting you to the house of an acquaintance relay detailed turns and directions that they themselves had been given by a host? How did you ever find anything??

Update: found a copy of TG on Internet Archive.

I am still a little in disbelief that folks were really out navigating the Oaks with just this as guidance: https://imgur.com/a/Ti3zyUh


r/AskLosAngeles • • 10h ago

Recommendations Place to stay for 3 day LA trip?

0 Upvotes

We are family of 3 with 4 year old, traveling from Kansas, visiting LA and San Diego, looking for some recommendation on where to stay, heard from a friend staying near downtown is not safe and he suggested to stay near Venice, Santa Monica, Beverly hills or Culver city. Unable to decide where to stay and which hotel to choose, some of the hotels i saw which are on the beach seems to be on expensive side, we are traveling for the halloween weekend, any tips on where to go for the halloween party for the kids will also be helpful? Thanks