Got any good tips for finding this car?

gunbunny said
Try this.
https://www.vehiclehistoryreport.com/2020-07_State_Vehicle_Records_Request_Information.pdf

Thanks gunbunny - looks like your link took me down a winning rabbit hole. It appears to be done by filling out a form, writing a check and snail mail but it could be a winner.
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2020/06/inf70.pdf