Camarillo Flight Instruction, at the Camarillo airport about 1 hour north of LA is my recommendation. Did a lot of my training there, and it's an awesome little airport to start/end at. Easy, friendly class D and a quick flight from Santa Barbara or the LA basin.
Friendly flight instructors and very well cared for planes.
Has arguably the best on-airport cafe/restaurant in the state also which is always a plus.