I am planning a trip to Cuba in early August to meet a potential mate and would like to know what travel arrangements can be made. I understand there are a lot of limitations for U.S. citizens, not to mention that there is some danger involved. According to a State Department spokesman, it is technically illegal for any U.S. citizen to spend money in Cuba without a license. Neither your desire for a vacation nor the possibility of a romantic encounter will sway the bureaucrats to let you go. Only 10 criminal indictments have been brought against American citizens in the past 15 years.
Thousands break the embargo every year and face no repercussions.
Living in Los Angeles, you could simply go to Tijuana. Other popular gateways for U.S. travelers are Mexico City, Cancun, Nassau, and the major Canadian cities. As for your safety concerns, these exist when traveling to any developing country. In Cuba specifically, a recent spat of bombs in tourist hotels and the lack of diplomatic relations with the United States should give you another reason to worry. You will have to decide if a visit to Cuba falls within your acceptable range of risk.