Several of the CSUs are very good schools now and depending on his major, could actually be better than a UC. The CC route is a good and in some ways better because its a very clear, approved path. The UCs are required to take a certain number of transfers from the California CCs and he will save a ton of money.
Side note, but it will tell you something. UCSB has a two hour video online that ends with the exact person to contact and work with on your transfer application. UCSD has a one hour video on the process and another one hour video on completing the application. UCLA has a five minute video showing someone who is probably an undergrad. The first three minutes is a land acknowledgement and the rest is her saying "the rest is on our website".