I graduated from a UC with the help of AB 540. I qualified for the exemption because I overstayed my tourist visa many years ago and attended a high school in California for at least three years. Even though I was admitted to the U.S. legally with a temporary visa, the period of lawful admission has expired, allowing me to qualify for tuition exemption. If you are in the same situation as I, then you DO qualify for the exemption as well.

It is possible that you incorrectly filled out the form. You're not supposed to indicate that you have legal presence in the U.S. because of a visa (because you don't. You did once, but you no longer do). I think you should contact the residence deputy at UCD for more information.