Each of those areas have bad spots, but you can find good areas.
Van Nuys may be the exception.
Lived in that area many years ago, surprises me now.
I do work there and don't feel that great about the area.
Especially with expensive video equipment.
Depends on traffic.
Takes me an hour to get to Van Nuys from Orange during the weekend, week days 1.5.
But it's much nicer in the OC. During the summer it is 10 degrees cooler.
Yes experienced.