Westwood is, I think, safer than the surrounding areas of Berkeley. I was kinda disappointed by the surrounding areas of Berkeley. Berkeley struck me as a CA college in the middle of slightly run down NY city. If I had to choose, I would choose UCLA even though I feel Berkeley overall has a better academic reputation.
I know many parents whose kids are going to both UCLA and Berkeley, and it seems true that food is definitely better at UCLA. I have been to the dorms area at UCLA also, and there is a kinda of young yuppie college feel to it. Overall I found UCLA vibe to be more energetic and brighter. Berkeley is somewhat gloomy.