LAX is still very GA friendly. If you follow the published "VFR Corridors" over the airport yopu don't even have to talk with the controllers at SoCal or LAX.
SFO is a whole different game, though. Either avoid it or plan on getting real good at cutting circular holes in the sky. And if you land at SFO and want to depart VFR you MUST file a flight plan with Oakland or Rancho Murieta flight service stations. There is a specific flight plan format that is not in the DUATS system and most other AFSS's are not aware of it.
Check out:
http://www.faa.gov/ats/oakaifss/
Click on "Northern Californnia Pilot's Guide" the "Class B Departures" for more info.
That's the web page for Oakland AIFSS. They also have an email address.. 9-awp-oak-web@faa.gov if you have any other questions.
Jerry
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Comments and opinions are my own and do not reflect those of my employer.