Sunny L.A. enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. Ringed by mountains and the sea, the temperatures tend to be moderate -- seldom exceeding 85 F/29 C or falling below 40 F/4 C.

The city offers numerous nightclubs, marvelous restaurants, beaches, diverse cultural events, Hollywood glamour contrasts with gang violence, year-round sunny skies with smog and fast cars with traffic jams.

Los Angeles is a land of style and disaster, movers and shakers and earthquakes. Residents are accustomed to a rhythm that alternates between relaxation and stress.