well, the health nut thing is blown so out of proportion that i'd say it's bordering on a myth. l.a. is the us's capital of fast food, hands-down. pink's, a famous hot dog joint, has a long and winding line even at 2 a.m. and i've only met one person who surfs in all the time i've lived here (from '95-'99, and '01-present). but the weather is great here for skateboarding all year round, and there are places to do it everywhere. the weather is reason enough to love and live in l.a. but what else do i love about both l.a. and the state of california? - the friendly people - the relaxed, "it's all good", zen kind of attitude - the diversity - great food (not just the fast , although in-n-out's burgers are unparalleled) - the commitment to the arts (at least in l.a., dunno about everywhere else) - the beautiful coast - it's a huge state: redwoods, mountains, deserts, beaches, nat'l parks... - san diego zoo - sham-fucking-u! - disneyhoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (the happiest place on earth) there's more, but i'll leave off here, for now .