How to find the owner of property

[Varinder Kumar]

There is an abandoned house on my friends street. She says its been bonded for 30 years now. The owner was this old man who recently past away, the son cam back and lived there about two years a couple years ago and has since left out of state. The home is falling apart and I would like to know how I can get in touch with someone so I can buy this thing and flip it. Would the city be of any help? There are no tax records online and verified.com does not have anything on it either other than the address. I feel this is a diamond in the rough. I am in California. Please advise. Thank you all in advance!