Getting closer. National Ignition Facility.
The Venice Community Adult School has a Machine Shop class meeting every Monday night from 6:00 - 9:15. The next term begins March 9, and goes until June 20. Details here.
Unlike most machine shop courses, which are lecture based, the VCAS program allows students to work independently on their own projects. The number of projects taking place is as varied as the students taking advantage of the program, ranging from mechanics and hobbyists to engineers, entrepreneurs and inventors.
Note - the very close LA Trade Tech also offers courses, go here for more details.