I am a high school senior accepted to cal poly. In terms of housing, pretty much the only thing I care about is having access to a decent kitchen (I want to cook most of my own food). Is getting a cerro apartment the only way to do that, or do dorms have access to communal kitchens as well? Will choosing living learning or connections allow me access to a kitchen?
You’ll want to go with poly canyon village or cerro vista. Cerro vista will give you a hybrid plan which consists of some plus dollars for food on campus, but with the flexibility of having your own kitchen. This would allow you to cook yourself but also have a backup for those busy day quick bites and socializing with other students at the dining centers or a quick dessert for frozen yogurt. Have a good freshmen years. 
P.S. even if you don’t get a kitchen, you can always ask a friend to borrow theirs’ or cook together.