David,
I'll warn you that most of the people that have replied from SoCal are about to jump on you for asking about Fontana and Riverside.
I'll also admit I grew up near both places in Claremont, a town which is probably looked down upon by many of those able to live nearer to the beach.
Anyway, if cheap and relatively safe are your priorities, you can find something in the Inland Empire (as that part of the world is sometimes called) pretty easily. If you are willing to head east of LA to this part of town, there are actually some areas that are nicer than others, or at least were seven years ago when I got out. Take a look at Claremont and Redlands which are college towns and have some things going on (I know Riverside has a college too, but come on)
You might want to check out Alta Loma, Upland, and even Corona too. (I'm not trying to offend any Inland Empire people. If you still live there, admit it, you're trying to get out too
)
Jess