Part of me thinks that if UCLA is able to balance it's athletics budget, it would go a long way toward pulling the two of you in. IMHO "Northern" California football is too big for it to just fade away.
Personal observations:
I wasn't able to attend last Saturdays game against FCS Northwestern (Louisiana). With that said, the special teams seemed solid the first game. Most of the kick-offs were touchbacks. The punter was/ is solid. Will punt mostly rugby style. Coverage teams are also solid...
Outside of Punt returns, how are your special teams? I'd say ours are pretty strong. Perhaps not so strong on punt and kick returns, but solid in all phases.