If you believe everything you see in pop-culture, Los Angeles and Southern California seem like something out of a daydream: good vibes, endless sun, and the promise of becoming a star. But to many residents of LA, their home is inextricably tied to things that aren’t as positive and sparkling as you’d think: stark economic inequality, rampant homelessness, routine violence, and congested roadways. With traffic, it can take an hour to get anywhere. One neighborhood might be impoverished, but walk three blocks and you’ll see expensive cars shimmering in front of huge houses and manicured lawns. Look closely at any palm tree and you can see how the dirty air has seeped into its blackened trunk. Add in the collective fears of earthquakes and drought and it’s easy to understand why cathar...