Maps:
really simple: forget maps. LA is absolutely chaotic if you have no local knowledge. Get some type of navigation, either software for your laptop or stand-alone.
On our quest for an RV we drove around 1,000 miles through Los Angeles in the first 6 days. You would stand no chance without GPS and navigation!
We used MS Streets and Trips for the preparation of our route ( so we had a rough idea where we wanted to go). the software works well most of the time, we're happy. A GPS receiver is available at Fry's , my favourite electronics and computer shop in California. Everything you need - and more - at very reasonable prices. WAL-Mart may be another option.
