Edit: I'm not a recruiter, but I'd be happy to take a look at your LI/A.me pages if you decide to set them up and give you feedback.
Edit: I'm not a recruiter, but I'd be happy to take a look at your LI/A.me pages if you decide to set them up and give you feedback.
I would set up an about.me page and link to your LI. Link out from LI to your about.me. Start blogging if you think you can fit it in. Even if it's filled with entries about what you learned/did/achieved/figured out that day or week. The more technical the better.
And, as was mentioned in another comment: You're close to a hot spot already. Close is stretching it considering the drive from IE to Santa Monica, but, do it anyway. Do it on a Saturday. Go to Coloft in the morning, get a day pass, and work on something. Take breaks and meet others. Not sure what to break the ice with? Try something like "Hey, so is coloft always this energetic (/vibrant/quiet/boring/lively/productive/whatever)". Ask what they're working on. Listen. They'll ask you the same.
Don't let yourself make up excuses. You're close enough to a really hot market where companies are climbing over each other for talent. If you want it, make it happen.