I live in the conservative enclave of Newport Beach, roughly equidistant between both cities. Given your choices, and if O.C.'s not an option, go with San Diego. Great weather, less smoggy, BIG military presence, a lot fewer whackos, and its surrounded by a lot of beautiful country (not to mention it has the Pacific Ocean). You definitely want to live near your office though as traffic congestion there (as in LA) is really bad. Commute can be nasty.
Best of luck.
Best advice that I've seen so far, except I'd rather change occupations than move to California. I live on the central coast. Anything below Ventura is a rat race. Above, or east of, San Jose, likewise.