I am not sure you are interpreting the map correctly. The red-brown tones are less-dreary, while bright red is more-dreary. L.A. is squarely in the less-dreary area. See also the numerical rankings.
Your point stands though. L.A. is one fugly city.
Your point stands though. L.A. is one fugly city.
Given that red usually connotes "the most of" whatever the map is supposed to show, it struck me as consistent with my experience.
Just the other day I saw tourists trudging around on Hollywood Boulevard, which is a major shithole. I thought that I can't believe these people aren't deeply disappointed but afraid to admit it.