I am somewhat similar to you, with 3.5 GPA and high test scores (34 ACT).
I am still waiting on decisions from the other UC’s (where it’ll get interesting) but I have been accepted to these schools so far:
UCI (honors)
UCSB (chancellor’s reception)
UCR (Chancellor’s Scholarship)
yes, the UC’s do emphasize GPA a great deal, but don’t give up.