Please remember that you came here for advice from those with experience. You’re fighting everyone.
Please go and see if you can change the P/F option to a grade. It may take a signature from a dean. Don’t just take the answer from a website or any random person. Sometimes a dean can over-ride.
I think it’s silly to think that you’re going to transfer later to a private. That will cost MORE money.
A large percent of Calif students are attending a UC with aid…either UC grants or Cal Grants. Your family’s income must be too high for either. Have you had your parents talk to the FA office to see if they can give some Professional Judgment in regards to that debt and lower your EFC? If the debt is due to credit cards, then probably no consideration, but if it’s due to medical bills or some other catastrophic situation, they might.