We're talking from Torrance (aka. The South Bay) right?
I think from Torrance, up the 405, is not horrible (not great, but not bad, 40mph?). It tends to bunch up right around the Venice Blvd exit going North on the 405. You might be ok if you exited here and headed East on Venice and up La Cienega (or one of the other artery streets like La Brea, Supelveda) from there. All this still makes for a 35-45min est commute though.
I agree the 10fwy/405fwy intersection should be avoided. Actually my commute everyday is up Sawtelle from Marina Del Rey to Brentwood. I have the option to take the 405 up and whenever I do I regret it.
35-45 minutes shouldnt be too bad if I plan everything right. I also saw a few places in inglewood area. Looks like I can take the S La Brea ave up to cedars and avoid all freeway. Inglewood is seems like a few minutes closer to cedars. Anyone have experience with the inglewood area?