Residing in one of Western America’s most ideal landscapes, the area of Los Angeles has long been prosperous, with records of natives and settlers from Mexico dating as far back as 3000 B.C.
Today LA (as it’s known familiarly) is North America’s second-largest city, known the world over for its sunshine, beaches and movies. No one knows whether it was originally intended to be named the ‘Town of the Queen of Angels’ or the ‘Town of Our Lady of the Angels of Porciuncula’, but it became simply: The City of Los Angeles.
Estimated at around 4,000,000 residents, LA boasts 11 major sports teams, more museums per person than any other city in the world, America’s busiest port and is only behind Tokyo and New York in economic output for cities in the world.
For Penn Elcom, LA is a fantastic location for a North American depot and we chose the appropriately-named county of Garden Grove as our Californian home.
Penn colleague Adam Shacklady has made the big move from England to California so we thought we’d ask him for his viewpoints:
What do you love about your city that makes it unique?
I love the artistic flair, the laid-back attitude and the somewhat hippy lifestyle while still being a driven and hardworking community. During the week, people are up early getting their coffee and going to the gym before work starts and on the weekend they enjoy the outdoors, connecting with others and living life as intended.
Can you give us a picture that shows off its charm?
No one picture could sum up LA; on the same day you could be up in the mountain snowboarding or hiking, then back down relaxing on the beach by sunset. They call it the playground for the rich and famous, but a playground is exactly what it is. No matter what your style or activity of choice is, you will find it here. Be as active as you like or live a life of relaxation and luxury.
Tell us one food dish a visitor must try before they leave
This is tricky, as Americans definitely know how to do good food - and a lot of it. You’ll rarely go to a restaurant without leaving with leftovers as the portions are massive.
Southern California is well known for its Mexican food and the sushi is always fresh here, but for me, I love the smokehouse (BBQ). Baby back ribs that drop off the bone and other American favorites like brisket and pulled pork will have you feasting like a king.
Tell us about your favourite secret location (like a hidden gem)
My secret location might be where I live; the cost of rent throughout Orange County (south LA) will match London prices. However not cheap, I have found a small mobile home park with tiny modern builds just a small walk to the beach and bars in Huntington Beach. The locals call it Surf City and once you catch a sunset, you’ll want to call it home too.
However not a secret, Venice Beach is by far my favorite place in LA. Walk the beach and see fabulous artists selling their work alongside all the crazies who will attach junk together with glitter and a glue gun. It’s mad - but all part of the fun. See the skate park where a 12-year-old will blow your mind, the never-ending games at the basketball court and the notorious Muscle Beach gym. Walking Venice Beach is a must when visiting LA.
