Yeah, I moved here from the San Fernando Valley (North Hollywood) in 1989. I don't miss LA one bit. I guess it's a real rat race down there these days compared to when I was there...
I love my SV26, but it was a battle, and now it could use some nice bearings from Boca. Im very happy with the power, but "most would want more" is what im gathering from the forums. I see that RC Showcase now has the SV26 rebaged and it now has a built in choke for $225.00. Im still not sure where their located, but the phone is in the USA.
If ya like alot of verticle, the SV26 is not what your looking for, and if I had to do it over again, I would insist on a CNC engine case. I had to make a plate for my SV26 when one of the ears broke off.