LA Traffic from Westside to Downtown LA

As I take my daily drive from the Westside to Downtown LA, I'm faced with the FACT that this is how traffic will be in LA (see photo).

With my recent change of employment, my drive has changed. I (subconsciously ) would like to believe that driving to Downtown LA from the Westside is better than driving to Santa Monica

From my house in LA to Santa Monica, it used to take me about 20 minutes (sidestreet) to 45 minutes (freeway). I won't forget to mention that I lived 5.5 miles from Santa Monica. It's approximately 13 miles from the Westside to Downtown. It usually takes me about 25 - 40 minutes.

How could this be? Well, just take a look at the picture.