California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7507.125

Nothing in this chapter prohibits the using or taking of personal effects that are connected, adjoined, or affixed to the collateral through an unbroken sequence, if that use or taking is reasonably necessary to effectuate the recovery in a safe manner or to protect the collateral or personal effects.  Nothing in this chapter prohibits the removal of a locking mechanism or security device on the collateral, before, during, or after a repossession.  No storage fee shall be charged for the first week on any personal effects used to effectuate a recovery pursuant to this section.  Any personal effects used or taken pursuant to this section shall be processed in a reasonably expedient manner pursuant to Sections 7507.9 and 7507.10.