Is college free in California if you live there for a year before attending?

No, college is not free in California simply by living there for a year before attending. While California has programs that make college more affordable, such as the California College Promise Grant (covering tuition at community colleges) and financial aid programs, there's no program that makes tuition entirely free based solely on residency. Students still need to meet eligibility requirements and may still incur costs for fees, books, housing, and living expenses.