The University of California, facing record surges in applications, could increase seats for California students by as many as 33,000 by 2030 — the equivalent of building a new campus.

At least half the growth would come at the UC system’s most popular campuses — UCLA, UC Berkeley and UC San Diego — in part by reducing the number of out-of-state and international students and giving those seats to Californians.

Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) hosted a rally at Sacramento City College on June 6 urging Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature to adopt a debt-free college plan for students.

Assembly Bill (AB) 1746, the “Cal Grant Reform Act,” would expand free tuition to more low-income students in the state, eliminate grade-point-average requirements for community college students, and guarantee financial awards for students eligible for a federal Pell Grant.