CA CCs have priority with the UC system. There are also programs like TAG (1) (transfer admission guarantee) that are 100%, so long as you meet specific requirements. Top UCs, like UCB, UCLA, and UCSD, do not have TAG programs, but UCB/UCLA has a (2) TAP, and UCSD has (3) U-link.
The living costs here are high, however you do not have to live in a major city. I’d do some research onto CCs in smaller areas that have a TAP program. Then look into some housing/jobs to see if it is a feasible option.