In case anyone is having trouble finding a place to stay in LA, my daughter has had quite a bit of success locating places on a couple of websites:
Cyberrentals.com is a good source. It is better for FL and the MS/AL coastal areas, but it does have some options for LA.
Also try www.corporates.com . They will find a place for you.
Another place in the LA area currently doing temporary rentals is www.beaurivierecondos.com . These places are brand new and were for sale but they have decided to rent them out on a temporary basis. They have furnished units and can add in utilities.
The realtor at this website, www.bethalford.com , said that her clients are willing to work something out as well and that she could have her units furnished, etc.
My daughter has had the most luck on Craigslist. She said it is best to search under the appropriate state and city, then housing, then try each of the following categories: apts/housing, sublets/temporary, vacation rentals, and if you don't mind renting a room in someone's house or a college student's apartment, try rooms/shared.
For information on neigborhoods and areas, try City Data Forums.