The fact pattern you have described does not violate existing labor laws in California.

What if your employer is lying?

Sounds like a bad place to work, and the advice to look for other employment should be followed - however there is nothing illegal in the fact...

Is employer out of line

The fact pattern you have presented does not violate the labor laws of California.

Yes. It is legal for an employer to fire an "at-will" employee based on availability or non-availability.

Is my employer allowed to pay me less than what my position earns?

This is unfortunately allowed. You of course have the option of leaving for another employer that will pay you what you deserve.

Is it legal for my employer to require a more difficult promotion process for me?

You will need to prove that the motivating factor for making you "jump through hoops" and making it more difficult to promote was because of your...

My manager laid me off after I confronted her about tip jar that I was only given 3 dollars out of when I saw 100 dollar bills

California Labor Code Section 351 prohibits employers from sharing or keeping any portion of a gratuity left to an employee from a patron. Your...

Is it legal for an employer to spy on and photograph my home?

Just because it is a 'company house' does not mean you forfeit all of your privacy rights. More facts are needed to assess your situation.

Manager coercing me into working on a day that I had previously listed as an unavailable day.

You do not have a 'legal' right to maintain a schedule based on requested days off. The manager may set the shifts how they best see fit.

Is it legal for my company to claim my rewards points?

It is legal as long as the employer is paying for the travel.