Did a google search for: claim a car abandoned in California

It looks like a doable possibility if you really need to get title. Basically there is a long form you need to go get and fill out to get a list of past owners registered on the car, and mail out something out to them, and, and when they don't reply, I think I read after 30 days, you get title to the car.

But I'm 99% sure it's more complicated that google answers. lol.