I'm still planning on trying to get an internship in LA, OC or Newport Beach next summer, but was wondering about LA's smog. Is it *that* bad? I'm an allergic/asthmatic (ie. pollen, dogs, cats set my asthma off) and it is somewhat of a concern. I've never been to LA, just SF, but when my Ma spent some time in LA about 10 years ago she was hacking up a lung and noted people wore dust masks on the street. I did fly through LA in '96, and was impressed by the brown clouds the plane went through on the way down. But I've heard it's getting somewhat better. Are there neighborhoods where the smog isn't as much of an issue (maybe the hills, perhaps, or a windward side)?
The answer is: It can be. Check www.cnn.com, they have today a list of smoggiest cities in the U.S. 6 of the 10 are in California (Los Angeles ranked #1, followed by Bakersfield and Fresno). Los Angeles typically is the worst (valley included), while Orange County (primarily southern) and the coastal cities it's signficantly better. On the weather report, 90% of the time when Los Angeles is listed as "unhealthful", Orange County is in the green "good" Intern in OC and you'll be fine. Intern in LA, you'll have to be cautious and watch the smog report on the news nightly.
Yes. This is why you want to be as close to the water as possible. There is a reason that all the beautiful people live either in Malibu or Newport or anyplace next to the water. Dr "Surfer Dude" Tax
Ryan, Living in LA for some years and now residing in SF, I can tell you its not that bad in LA. YOu want to stay away from the valleys where the smog is trapped by the surrounding mountains. OC is nice but I feel it is a bit overcrowded for my taste. Try a hidden area of LA that not much know about (shhhh) VC. That is Ventura County for you uncool people. I am about 27 miles north west of the staples center, 14 miles from Thousand Oaks area, and 30 minutes from beautiful Camarillo area. THe water is not far, the air is clean, people are nice, and 5th or 6th safest city in the land. When you come down, you are welcome to stay at my house and see the area for yourself. Plenty of law offices around, and Santa Barbara isn't that far. I love OC but can't afford Newport/Dana point area, thus I feel the northern part is a bit better, and almost (don't gasp) no traffic! -Ryan (the non PL one )
