Ben, next time you're in area check out Venice/Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach, all happening spots away from the hub-bub of downtown L.A.
Venice/Venice Beach actually has quite a few graphic artist shops/render houses on Abbot Kinney Blvd.
hanging out in laid back coffee houses and talk CG art
I'm not lazy, I'm just resting before I get tired