Ewok village. OK, now that’s funny. ?
We just recently visited UCSC campus (and ate in downtown SC). UCSC (and other UC’s) is on my younger kid’s list.
And my older kid attends UMich. A CA kid who loves UMich and A2. There’s so much going for it, but I won’t bore folks.
You summarized your situation and schools fairly well. If grey days bother you, then the winter months will be tough on you in A2.
So for your mental and financial health, go to UCSC. But UMich IMO is superior in nearly every way, but for the cost, weather and beach.