There’s colleges for everyone and I don’t know what you define as poor grades, but yes if you a 2.3, college may (or may not) be for you.
Not everyone desires college.
We get to choose. Some choose the military or trades.
It doesn’t mean they’re pushed.
I think most educators will push education but they can also read a kid.
Again, what’s wrong with Fresno or San Marcos or Humboldt or Merced or community college - to which many get to all the UCs and CSUs.
And this is not a CA only thing…