I can't help seeing some discrepancy between "new pilot" and "120-150 kts cruise". The faster the plane, the less forgiving it will be of the errors that any beginner pilot has to make. I would recommend O/P begins by renting, to get the feel of his commuting operations, and to experience in what plane it can be done comfortably (no good to arrive at work exhausted from the stress of flying! Even worse to come home burdened by the stress of flying added on top of the stress of a hard day's work!)
Besides, I wonder about the impact of weather: out of +/- 240 working days per annum, how many would allow VFR flying at more or less fixed hours - out to work in the morning, back home in late afternoon ? I cannot help questioning the realism of this commuting idea - but I have not the slightest picture of flying a light plane in Southern California - at least, according to one song, it should never rain there, that ought to help.
Last edited by Jan Olieslagers; 7th Jan 2016 at 18:01.