First of all, good for you for doing the research and talking to various people of this. Always good to get multiple opinions and ideas.

For what it is worth, I'll give you a little of my background then my two cents on what you might want to do. My passion (and I think anyone who knows me would agree with the use of that word) for flying started in 3rd grade. I, like you, am very lucky to have supportive parents who whole heartedly encouraged and financially helped me become a pilot. I was able to solo on my 16th birthday and received my private pilot license half way through my senior year in high school. After high school, I went directly to ERAU. Although it has been a long road since then (about 20 years), I'll stop there and give you my thoughts about situation.

First of all, getting a degree 4 year college degree is important, there is no question about it. However, how, when and in what is another situation completely.

Besides a few of the senior level classes at ERAU (which where really good classes), having that school's name on my resume did not help in my career. I was never asked about it or about my GPA or about any of the classes I took. The flight training was nothing to speak of and in fact, I got so frustrated with attitudes of the flight instructors, I took a year and a half from the school before finishing. There are other options.

I would recommend, once you are done with high school, doing both flying and college together. However I would do it locally. Find a local Part 141 flight school FBO. You mentioned you were in CA, if you are in SoCal and close to Orange County airport, I can HIGHLY recommend Sunrise Aviation, sunriseaviaiton.com. Best thing I did in my career was get my CFI with them, wish I had gotten all my rating there. Whatever flight school you choose, fly with them at least 3 times a week. The more you fly the better. On the days you are not flying, enroll in a local college and take classes towards a degree. Maybe get all your GE credits out of way while you learning to fly.

Speaking of subject matter, I would recommend something other than a professional pilot degree. That is what my degree from ERAU is in and I am regretting it. If I had to do it again I would get a degree in aviation safety. Look around, I'm sure you can stay in the aviation industry/field and find a degree program that speaks to you (you can even use the UND and ERAU websites to look at different options).

Deviating from current course....you don't need to worry about your timing with the "pilot shortage". You are in a great position to reap the benifits of the coming pilot retirements. By the time you get your hours and ratings, the regionals will be "licking their chops" for you. And by the time you get your turbine PIC hours at the regionals, the majors will be looking forward to your resume. Use this time to focus on becoming a good pilot with good aeronautical decision making skills. Over the past couple of years, major commerical aviaition accedents have occured because pilot forgot what they learned getting their private pilot licenses (stall and low speed recovery).

Ok, I've rambled on long enough. Hope this helps.