Like buzzc152 I did my IMC there in 2001 - very disappointing. I had a selection of instructors (4 in all over 8 days) and each told me different ways of doing things. As a result I took longer than the recommended minimum hours and got charged accordingly. Ditto if you have to retake just part of the flying test you get charged a load more dosh. So if you go take at least 20% more money than what they advertise.
The agent based in the UK arrived during my stay and did very little to help with the problems that most students were suffering from - ie lack of quality instructors, money grabbing owner, etc. He was not that helpful at all.
I went in the May and suffered haze and smog most of the days as soon as the temperature rose and the LA road traffic got going. So beware when the adverts say 100% flying is possible. Some of the (VFR) PPLs were grounded for 3 days.
I had also paid to do a night rating at the same time. This had to be crammed in on the very last 2 evenings of my stay because none of my 4 instructors were ever available for night flying during the rest of the time.
IMHO the owner/CFI is only concerned with bringing the money in, not quality of instruction.
I stayed in the local motel which was OK and by the sounds of it better than the student accomodation. Long Beach as an airport was good to fly from (other than the smog/haze) and can teach you how to mix it with the big jets.
My advice? If you go to Long Beach choose a different school if you can. Alternatively try Florida (but beware the crocs when doing PFLs!)