I like that one. Basically due west of Bakersfield, nearly to the coast. Mild coastal climate, good air, vineyards. City of Santa Maria is decent-sized but not particularly noteworthy (except for barbecue). However, it’s only 20 miles to Pismo Beach, or 30 miles to the fun (but much more expensive) college town of San Luis Obispo.
Allan Hancock is relatively large (~12,000). It should be good for pre-engineering, because it has a solid reputation as a transfer “feeder” into Cal Poly SLO.
Cost seems competitive with Bakersfield College, according to College Navigator.
Estimated cost of attendance, Allan Hancock College, 2017-18, in-state tuition, off-campus housing: $20,732.