Can I do straight time in lieu of sb38?

If you were convicted of a "wet" reckless you can do the 9 month program, if you live out of state, you can apply for reinstatement after a two year suspension without attending the class at all. Otherwise, you cannot get a license until you enroll in the 18 month program, and you must complete it too.

Nope. SB-38 is a requirement for multiple-offenders, and unless you complete it you will never get your license back.