OUCH.....$299 for a r/t from SMF that afternoon. the timing of flts would be perfect, but not the price. Sorry to miss it.
I could strongly recommend
Second City Bistro in Old Town El Segundo. I have eaten there many times. Easy to get there from LAX.
Of course, you can also head south on Aviation or Sepulveda, to Rosecrans, and you'll have a slew of restaurants. Il Fornio, PF Chang's, and the like.
And if nothing else, I've had great food (true!) at
The Encounter right in the middle of LAX. Appropriate place for a FT DO!
Have fun; wish I could be there.