I once heard a radio show that said Los Angeles called itself "City of Gardens" in its early days. 

These roots are still felt in Rancho Palos Verdes where big lots and horse stables are found.  Crosswalks have a lower button for pedestrians while the higher button is for equestrians. 

Here is the recipe for making "LA Soufflé." 

Start with a desire for "country living."  Large lots and longer commutes.  Then slowly add more people.  A dash of strip malls, some more asphalt.  Soon freeways must come to keep the broth moving.

Slowly stir things up, keep the heat on and watch spaghetti develop.

I worry about county planning departments that cater to a hybrid "urban rural" lifestyle.  As population grows, this becomes Los Angeles.

Rancho Palos Verdes is still nice for bicycling.  Even with things that spread out, there are still a lot of people who bike and city planners realize this.  Rancho Palos Verdes looked ritzy.  Passing through LA on the recommended bike route, I didn't see many signs of poverty.  The beach is not the poor side of LA. 

Beach bike path stopped just before this district, but map directed me along East Rancho Palos Verdes, Drive.  In some ways, I felt like I was riding on a county road near Bellingham.  People like to use Los Angeles as an example of "the city we don't wish to become."  Watch out, Los Angeles started out as a "country living city."