I was in your same shoes... I had my choice between ExpressJet and Skywest, and I commute from California.

At the time, ExpressJet had just announced Ontario and LAX bases, which are both 1 hour from where I live... I chose ExpressJet, and ended up getting furloughed and now commute to ORD.

I don't regret coming to ExpressJet at all, but I will tell you that when I was LAX based, driving 1 hour to work, it was amazing. Unreal.

Yes, SKYW might close the base you choose to be in, but if it is a base that has been around awhile I would take the risk. Not having to commute would be pure gold.