If you want to work for Hall (which would be your best bet for full-time employment), you would be better off to move. The cost of living here is pretty reasonable. I would check apartmentfinder.com and look for either southwest, northwest, and some parts of northeast. Anything east of the 99 freeway and north of California ave is BAD NEWS.
Once you get out of training, there is usually plenty of overtime, mostly in the form of standbys and whatnot. Don't quote me on this but I think basics start around $12.50/hr (at least that's what it was for me when I started).
1.50 more than what I make now. Hmmmmm. And I currently live in the ghetto... So it's not too bad.