<p>We live about an hour south of Sonoma State University (part of the CSU system) and have gotten to know some of the faculty through friends of ours. I’ve been so impressed with the people I’ve met - top-notch intellectually, but drawn to teaching as opposed to research. The campus is very pleasant, and Sonoma County is gorgeous, with lots of outdoor opportunities. Really a LAC at public school prices. Caveat - I haven’t heard what effect the Calif. budget situation is having on class size and availability there.</p>
<p>A private CA college worth looking at is UOP (University of the Pacific) in Stockton. I know a B-B+ student who’s very happy there, and good merit aid is available for high achievers. Another kid I know is on full scholarship in the pre-dental program - assuming he keeps up his GPA he is guaranteed admission into their dental school.</p>