If you want to go to a school where you can flight instruct and get alot of multi time quickly, then go to Rainbow Air. The avionics in there aircraft are good - GPS units in everything down to the 152s. If you do your training there, they will hire you as a CFI and you'll get oodles of flight time and experience in larger aircraft. I was a CFI there in 99 and was building 80 hours a month in the twins. I just talked to a guy that left there and was recalled at Eagle, and he said he was getting a ton of time as well.
There is also Long Beach Flying Club, but I have several friends who instruct there that have a hard time getting a full load of students.
There is Hart Air, but I'd steer clear of them for what you are looking for.
there used to be a place called Aviation West that was owned by a united pilot...not sure if that is still there. I heard SoCal Flying Club (Dale Choppin) was sold. So, seems you are left with Rainbow and LBFC.
BTW, LGFC has lost two airplanes in the last few years. One at Catalina last month and a midair over the Queen Mary a few years back.
If you want well-maintained aircraft at LGB, I'm sorry I can't help you with that.