So I recently got into UCSD and turned it down because it would have been too much OOS for four years </3. Loved the campus, loved that it is well ranked, had a pretty low acceptance rate, and a lot of other aspects off the surface that deemed it as a pretty great school. I’m now going to a JC for two years with the hopes to transfer to a UC again. I’m just curious, in your guys’s opinion does San Diego come closer to the likes of Berkeley and UCLA, or is it more accurately stacked with the moderate UC’s (Irvine, Santa Barbara, Davis) I know they are all great schools and I’m looking to attempt UCLA while doing to TAG program to UCI as a backup, but if I go to UCI, will I have really downgraded a significant deal by turning down San Diego? If so, at least I’m saving a lot with the JC route 
Your San Diego decision is behind you and you now attend a CC. Upgrade/downgrade is the wrong lens through which to view your next step. If you must, any BA/BS degree granting school will be an upgrade from your CC. If you manage a 3.5 and TAG into UCI but are rejected at UCSD - have you failed?
The good and bad of going to a CC is your transcript is essentially re-set. Do your best and make the most of the opportunities ahead. Engage in the campus and don’t forget ECs - they still count.
Good luck