Hi Pete - yes, it's a nice area here in the marina, walking distance to the beach in Venice, quaint neighbourhoods and all that 'California' including wall murals and many a homeless person. Also very quiet. Living on a boat is also economical compared to renting an apartment or a house in this area. Colorful mix of live-aboard and hide-aboard neighbors. The other day, a bail bonds man left his business cards on the dock bulletin board so he sees us as potential customers.
As for traffic, this is actually the sole reason I started riding motorcycles again when we moved to LA in February. Because, and that is the other reason, lane splitting is accepted here (like it is in most other places in the world), already before our move I had decided to get a motorcycle, well, scooter: a used 2016 BMW C650 Sport I bought in the first week here, with 1,960 miles so practically new. It's very capable, with 60 hp, lots of under-seat storage and no gears, just effortless. The Yamaha is more of a passion, plus I need something to do with my hands when I am not working (which I do with my head all day). I will figure out how to upload Youtube video soon, and will post footage of how my daily commute has me filtering through almost-stationary rows of cars - mile after mile. Hopefully, next week I will be doing so on the Blue '76. Right now I'm just waiting for daylight so I can finish the forks and front brake, the second new fork seal is in the freezer.