Carl,
Your directions for by-passing LA were helpful. It's not that LA traffic is so bad, it's just that there is too much of it! We're thinking of heading up toward Morrow Bay later in the week, then taking Highway 46 east to I-5.
Any suggestions as to road conditions, places to stay, things to see around Morrow Bay would be appreciated. We definitely want to see Hearst Castle. I'm trying to decide if we will leave the trailer here in Buellton and make day trips or find another campground near Morrow Bay later in the week.