Ah, Los Angeles. Traffic, sunshine, and eventually... a pink jury summons in the mail. Serving at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse or any of the municipal courts in LA County is a rite of passage, but it doesn't pay well.
California law dictates that jurors are paid $15 per day starting on the second day of service. That's right—you are not paid by the court for your first day of appearance. If you are dismissed on day one, you receive nothing.
LA County pays 34 cents per mile for your travel to the courthouse, but this is calculated as one-way mileage from your home to the court. Alternatively, the county highly encourages using public transportation. The court will provide free transit passes for Metro buses and trains. Given the absolute nightmare of downtown LA parking, taking the Metro is often the smartest choice.
Unlike some progressive states, California does not force private employers to pay for jury duty. Your job is protected (you can't be fired), and you can use accrued vacation or PTO if you choose, but your boss doesn't have to pay your regular salary. However, government employees and public school teachers in LA generally do receive their full salary while serving.
You earn $15 a day starting on day two in LA County. Take advantage of the free Metro passes, as fighting traffic and paying for parking will quickly eat up that $15.