You can do it! Many CC students have a similar path to yours. Often, it becomes a center piece in their personal statements.
UC allows for grade replacement, meaning that if you repeat the class you get the D/F replaced. You can also TAG to UCI http://www.admissions.uci.edu/applicants/tag.html
assist.org will show you the pre reqs that you need to take, and https://uctap.universityofcalifornia.edu/students/index.cfm to submit your TAG.
Congrats on the upswing in grades!