Looking for advice (Stuck in the 400-500 elo)

What's up guys, my name is Luke and I am looking for any general advice on my chess game. I'm aware that if you watch some of my blitz or rapid games I still make classic rookie mistakes (hanging peices, time limit, etc.,) but I can't seem to improve even after watching multiple chess tactics and openings. 

I'm currently trying out the caro kann defense (as suggested by chess page 1 on Youtube) as it was directed as a perfect opening for beginners for black. For my white game, I typically try and go with the Italian game, occasionally going for the Fried Liver or scholars mate if I'm feeling risky. Is there any openings you could suggest or major themes of improvement you see in my recent games. Any advice is appreciated. 

Also, I live in Rohnert Park, CA and currently go to college at SSU. I'm looking for any chess clubs or people to play with if anyone has any ideas. Thank you!

I am also stuck in the same range. It's been very irritating trying to climb up the ranks. I think if I could play in person it would help, but I also don't know anyone that wants to play in real life.

I've used a few different websites and apps that have helped a little bit. I've been playing Chess 960 recently to give myself a break from regular Chess. I think when I play too much I actually get a little worse. Chess 960 let's you look at how the pieces interact in a different way and I think that's good for the brain.

I stuck too. I get high and play. Decisions are made autopilot.

Learn and apply the most important principles of chess. - (core of my teaching)
Always blunder-check your moves.
Solve tactics in the right way.
Analyze your games.
Study games of strong players.
Learn how to be more psychologically resilient.
Work on your time management skills.
Get a coach if you can.

I was also stuck around the same elo range for a while but if you get to watch Gotham chess he actually covers some good advice for you.

1. Make sure to watch for checks, captures and any threats

2. If your opponent plays a opening that you dont know, study it or roughly understand it (you can do this on remote chess academy yt)

3. Do not just blitz out your moves and make sure to double check your moves, if you have time then dont just anyhow play your moves.

4. Do not play bullet and blitz games if you are below the 1000 elo range. Make sure to play Rapid or Daily games because the moves you make with more time will improve you quality the moves you make.

5. Play easy openings and those that are easy to study. Cover the lines that are mostly played and make sure you understand them.

6. Make sure to do more puzzles more often because it helps your recognition

7. Lastly, do not tunnel vision when moving (just dont blunder)

I hope this helps you!

In order to stop dropping pieces, you need to develop basic board vision. Simple tactics exercises will help; YouTube videos will not.

An elementary book like Beginning Chess by Bruce Pandolfini will do more for your game than ten hours of videos.

dont try scholars mate

Try to get at least 2 knights out in the 1st 10 moves

Play 10 min, 30 min,1 day or 3 day if you have a problem with time control