LA is about 40~ minutes from me? IIRC.
The majority of "locals" are 15-25~ minutes away from me. (Cerritos, and that general area) which I think is only 30~ or less from LA.
At least going to locals would help.... if you prove to be doing well in locals - I find parents to be more supportive... if they see you are making money, they start to support you more and more..... it's how my dad was for me in Melee.... I started winning, he started driving further for me.
Starting out with Brawl now. Lost to basically 3 PR'd, a BRoomer, and an awesome Diddy. (Dao)... which he states isn't good enough. XD If I'm losing to the best, no matter where I go I'll be losing to people of their level.. so while he supports me getting better, he won't drive further then 20 minutes from our house.
However I have my friend Bam.... who's ****ing awesome. <3 lol Also payed for my last tourney.