It seems like there's been a near-miss at LAX every couple of weeks, some avoiding tragedy by as few as 50 feet. And when it's not a controller mistake screwing things up, it's a computer glitch stranding fliers for hours on the tarmac.
Like many people, I avoid LAX in favor of Burbank whenever possible.
People in the Ventura area might find it worthwhile to head to Santa Barbara Airport, which is not only more manageable but is the prettiest airport I've seen.