Rather than print out a long list, I now refer people to http://www.lalife.com. Click on Safety .
basically the north/western portions of LA are the safe/nice parts, basically the closer you are to the ocean the nicer the area.. you want to avoid south central LA (black) and East LA( hispanic). i m not a racist just saying these races are by far the dominant ones in the area.
High up on Mulholland Drive (Torreyson Place for example), if you can afford it.
i live in signal hill its pretty safe, im 15 and never been in trouble its got a great view too :)