I dont think there has ever been a time when LA wasn't the most corrupt system in the country, stretching back to Huey Long. Socialism is rampant. But it is tied to federal entities. (the Dept of Education for starters..get rid of it, and watch tuition rates fall and the fat get trimmed off).
Probably ... but as your statement indicates, corruption is not unique to LA. By channeling inflated profits into criminal hands as drug criminalization does, we invite more corruption everywhere.