UC limit unit question?

[mikemac]

I also took classes to boost my GPA since it was low (in the 1.0s) when I had left UC

Since it was under 2.0 you did not leave UC in good standing. So your options seem limited even without the unit cap issues.

Students who were previously enrolled at a UC campus and want to transfer to a different UC campus must be in good academic standing (last term and/or cumulative UC GPA of 2.00 or above) at their prior UC campus to be considered for transfer admission, even if that UC campus is not their last school of attendance.

Students who left a UC campus on academic probation or not in good academic standing (last term and/or a cumulative UC GPA below 2.00) and wish to return to the same UC campus must contact an advisor in the school/college in which they were previously enrolled at UC for guidance on any requirements for readmission.

https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requirements/transfer-requirements/preparing-to-transfer/other-types-of-transfers.html

I suggest you start by contacting an advisor at your former UC. It might be worth also exploring your options at the CSU system and other colleges.