I did a 44 type rating at LA Helicopters, there a good bunch of guys and will look after you.
Long beach is also a good airport to fly from.
JohnJ, your still alive, aint heared from you in a while!!!!
LB
Your FAA licence you apply for will be based on the back of your JAA licence including any restrictions you have (which also means no night flying)
You could fly with an instructor and carryout night training, (I cant remember the requirements but its som many hours with x amount of T/O and landings). When they are happy, they can then apply an endorsement in your logbook stating you have received night training and this will allow you to fly at night.
The down side is, any dual flight you do with an instructor cannot be logged under the JAA as P1, however an FAA licence can.
Weigh it up and see if its worth it.