I would second the Torrance recommendation. I lived there myself for my first year here. Be aware that Torrance is quite large and diverse, with neighborhoods ranging from having refineries in your backyard to upper middle class near Rolling Hills. RPV is lovely, but quite expesive, as is Manhattan Beach. The area of Torrance bordering Rolling Hills at PCH and Crenshaw is quite nice, with reasonably priced homes. There is a large Japanese community there which is interesting, and since I moved there from Japan it made me feel comfortable. They tend to take very good care of their neighborhoods and demand quality schools. Adds a nice flavor of divesity to an otherwise overwhelmingly latino city.
As for traffic, it’s LA. Much worse than San Diego as a whole. The 405 headed south in the afternoons can be pretty brutal. Avoid the 110 like the plague.
