As a California resident, what do you think of UCs and CSUs?
UCs’ general education requirements vary by campus, division, or (at UCSD and UCSC) residential college. CSUs have a common set of general education requirements that are fairly voluminous, although most categories have many choices within the category (i.e. not a “core” with specified courses).
As far as what schools can be a safety, it would help others help you if you specify your academic profile, what you can afford, and what your financial aid situation is. A safety must be a school that will admit you and will be affordable.