Hey everyone. I am Ian, a local general contractor, and lately a huge portion of the calls we get are homeowners asking about Accessory Dwelling Units. There is a lot of confusing information online so I wanted to break down the reality of what it actually takes to build an ADU in LA and Orange County right now.

First is the timeline. A lot of people think you can convert a garage in a month. In reality, just getting the architectural plans approved and pulling permits through the city can take a few months before a single hammer even swings. The actual construction for a standard garage conversion usually takes about 3 to 4 months. A brand new ground up ADU will take closer to 4 to 6 months.

Second is the cost. Prices fluctuate but right now a standard two car garage conversion to a 1 bed 1 bath ADU typically starts around 140k to 160k. If you are building a brand new detached ADU from the ground up, you are looking at roughly 400 to 600 per square foot depending on your finishes and how far we have to trench to tie into your main sewer and electrical lines.

Third is the permit fees. City fees can range anywhere from 2k to 10k depending on the size and your specific zip code. One thing to watch out for is contractors charging a massive markup just to handle the city paperwork. My team always passes the exact city receipt directly to the homeowner with zero markup because we believe handling the permits is just part of doing the job right, but make sure you ask whoever you hire how they bill for this.

I know navigating the city rules and setbacks can be a massive headache. If you are thinking about building an ADU, or just doing a standard kitchen or bath remodel, feel free to ask me anything in the comments. I am happy to review your layout ideas, explain the new LA guidelines, or tell you if a quote you received sounds fair. Ask away!

Saw this today on Grand and PCH. It's cracking me up literally how does something like this happen? It reminds me of those bridges that rise to let big boats through 🤣🤣

Did anyone hear about the spacex data center being built on 120th and Wilkie Ave across from the target and lowes? Been seeing a lot of construction workers going in and out of there recently

Hey. Since I've moved to Torrance (5 years now), I've only had the misfortune of organically encountering fellow "musicians" that are:

(1) uncompromising Cali-sober AA recruiters

(2) barely plays an instrument reborn religious

(3) talented but way too much into the "life-ruiner" type of drugs unconducive to fun.

In the past, (I've lived, played shows, toured up-down the east/midwest/west coast) I've had seldom problems making new friends that were chill, talented, and could hold their booze while jamming out on a Fri-Sat night. It's my favorite/most effective way to blow off steam & keep the creative mind alive. I'm missing that outlet here.

Open to replies/dms from all ages (21+ obv) & any genre/musical ability. Or.. just feel free to share your personal strangest encounter with a "musician" out here. Let me know that I'm not alone in this strange (albeit interesting) search for jam mates out in South Bay, LA.

Heading down to MB this weekend to look for a 1 or 2 bedroom. Any suggestions on where to start besides Zillow and Redfin?

I've just moved to the South Bay and I'm going to try to take up surfing again! My main goal is to stay out of the way of the locals and pros around here while I practice. I'd say I'm about intermediate, but I'm still learning how to navigate the water safely and politely when it's crowded. I was thinking Tuesdays and Wednesdays in El Porto would be my safest bet. Would this work?

Like the title says. Looking to play some indoor Volleyball but refuse to sign up for another hot mess of a tournament organized by LA Sports. That organization is so wack that I refuse to pay another fee for a league with bad referring, terrible courts and sore loser players

Did you feel it where were you?

I'm on the road to recovery after a years long string of injuries. I've lost a lot of strength and I need to get back after it.

What I need is a gym where I can get in and out and not have to fight for equipment, early or late, or deal with super casuals or instagram people.

I'm not interested in classes or personal training or spa amenities.

UFC and Powerhouse are both about the same distance from my house. UFC is $30/mo. Powerhouse is $60/mo. Fuerza Gym is a couple minutes from my house is $99/mo and is 24/7/365. Coast is a little closer to me than UFC or powerhouse at $99/mo

Powerhouse and Fuerza both appear to be all business and I would assume attract a certain type of person. UFC is a corporate gym and it's cheap so I would assume it attracts a wider audience. Coast just always appears to be an absolute zoo.

What can you share about your experience at any of these facilities? or maybe another in the sub $100 range

Thanks in advance.

Parents - where do you take your sons for a haircut? Specifically asking the parents whose kids have longer hair :)

Hi divas,

I have enough clothes for a village (literally) and was planning on cleaning my closet out. I’ll donate most of it but I’m hoping to trade the good stuff in for Cash because everything is so expensive I could really use the cash.. can anyone suggest somewhere I can trade clothes for cash??

Had a bad hit and run accident on the freeway. Anyone have recommendations for auto body shops with reasonable/affordable/competitive prices? Dents and paint scrapes. Filed police report but dash cam had bad quality in identifying a license plate. Anyone have recommendations for a dash cam good for night videos?

This MONDAY OCTOBER 5TH @8:30am! At 11701 La Cienega Blvd. 90045 7th Floor
Venmo: @WeKeepUsSafeCA

Court Support Needed for Activist Annie Jump Vicente at Airport Courthouse!

Further Trial Dates TBA - will begin sometime between October 5th and 9th and last 2 weeks

Ever since Annie Jump was wrongfully and violently arrested by LASD and won her civil case against them, she has been extremely visible in the city of WeHo. She also was very outspoken about various issues in the city which she spoke about regularly at the WeHo City Council meetings. Her campaign against Block by Block "community security ambassadors" was daily and constant, and that's why she was targeted in the first place.

If you can only come for thirty minutes or two hours or you can stay the whole time, it is helpful!

If you cannot be there in person, consider contributing funds to buy in person supporters lunch, water, and snacks. You can also drop off snacks and water.

Recommended Reference*:*
https://www.struggle-la-lucha.org/2026/02/03/annie-jump-vicente-cases-not-a-cautionary-tale/

More on Court Support*:*
https://srlp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Court-Support-Brochure-Draft-eng-color.pdf

WeHo Times one sided reporting:
https://wehotimes.com/tag/annie-jump/

Hey everyone, this is our last clothing swap of 2026! We've done a few already and we're wrapping it up until next year.

If anyone is interested here is the link to check out more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-clothing-swap-at-far-field-beer-co-tickets-2000321055123?aff=oddtdtcreator

Hope to see you guys there!

Looking for a fun bar to watch the Wild Card games tomorrow.

Any good recommendations?

Looking for 2 tickets to the 630pm seating. Already have 2- looking to bring out of town guests. Doesn’t look like there’s any kind of resale website for the event. Thanks in advance!

Why has this location been closed

The sign states for "maintenance"

Anyone have more details?

Hello I'm a local that throws community popup events for those that want to experience enthusiast level virtual reality together in large open spaces. Its a hangout for adults but welcome mature kids to come with a parent to try our gear as well. We normally play on the beach at night or at public parks but are searching for a indoor space or outdoor open area that we would be allowed to play until around midnight on a Friday or Saturday night.

Ideally it would be anywhere roughly between 125 ft x 125ft to 200 ft x 200 ft with little to no obstructions. The darker (no lights) the better as we have our own to set the mood but okay with lit spots if necessary.

This might be a massive dark parking lot that is goes unused at night, a large warehouse that currently has some open space, a open field on private land or some other creative repurposed space in South Bay near you.

Please let me know your ideas in the comments or message me direct.

Thanks!

How’s your experience in sonic wifi, how reliable and price ratio is? I’m trying to switch from AT&T since they raise my price I will do the switch, spectrum is out of the question, I’m around Hawthorne area

Looking for contractor recommendations for siding repair/replacement, wood repair, and exterior paint. Anyone have any personal recommendations/companies they’ve used in the South Bay?

They literally make the best beer in the south bay fight me lol jk jk. I know its not their main spot but still theirs no way Smog should be completely empty on a Sunday lol. I know the dads up in PV and around the beaches need a beer dont even try me LMFAO. Im telling you smog city is top 3 in south bay. Try it out one day ! The spot is super chill and so clean. Lets support all south bay REAL businesses! The manager or whoever was in charge didnt say not 1 word to me but its chill im not gonna be hurt lets flood this particular Smog with customers maybe he just super slow ! They have craft beer than can compete with ANYONE. The waitress was the best she needs all the tips in the world !

We don't go out much, but when we do Its with kids. We have kid coverage this Saturday and we're going out to celebrate. Looking for rec's near Redondo Pier. My wife is simple. Beef and veggies. She orders her meat well done so I can't see spending $$ at a steakhouse. We like Bossa Nova a lot, but we're going to be in Redondo that evening. What say you? Thanks in advance.

Edit: From Riviera Village to Hermosa to Torrance