I bought a car and had to fix it before transferring the title. Now I need to redo the title paperwork and I can't track down the previous owners to complete it. (In California btw)

So I bought a car last year and it took me a while to get if fixed and smogged etc. So recently when I went to go transfer the title, I was told that the title transfer form (pink slip) was outdated and they needed the new form with new signatures etc.

But I can't find the old owners. The phone number they wrote down doesn't work and phone book is no good. I'm somewhat out of ideas. I don't think I have all of information needed for the new form if I were to forge it (I know it's illegal so I'm hesitant to try that). I might know where the previous owner works as a manager in retail but it's been a while and there's no guarantee (and it's a bit stalkerish).

Right now, my only plan is to try at the DMV because I've been trying to go through AAA's DMV service because it sucks ass going to the DMV in California. Any other ideas?