<p>UCD is superior in biological sciences, although at the undergraduate level there is no comparison (rankings are done via graduate level programs). If you're heading into paleontology, Davis is clearly the better choice.</p>
<p>As for So-Cal being conservative, I don't really notice it that much besides the pro-military/mildly religious atmosphere (I live in SD). Political affiliation shouldn't be a reason not to choose a school. I consider myself fairly liberal (well, compared to my old government class, I think many people are liberal) but I would choose UCLA over UCB simply because I like the LA area and the region around UCB doesn't seem all that appealing. Hostility towards the Right seems almost like the same close-mindedness that liberals claim conservatives have ;)</p>