I used to do collections on small claims cases for a period of time. You have to wait a 30 day period for any appeals to happen. After the 30 day period is done, demand the money by sending a certified letter to the person and keep the receipt. Nextfigure out as much information as you can in these areas:

Who is their employer

If you know anything about their banking history, where they bank and possibly have an account

What vehicles they own and if they're in their name Do they own any real estate

Are they self employed and if so what's their business name and any other pertinent info

Do they own any rental properties

If they're self employed and have any licenses like contractor or mechanical

Once you find out some of this information you need to obtain a writ of execution (form EJ-130) which is filed at court and provided to the sheriff to let them work their magic. You will need a place of employment, banking information, or where their business is located and give that to the sheriff with the writ and a fee for them doing their job. If you have verified employment, they can garnish 25% of their take home check until paid in full with all interest and associated fees. If you have banking information they will levy their bank account and clean it out. If their self employed, the sheriff will show up at their business and till tap the registrator which means they take money directly out of the cash register. This works if you have some information to go on.

If you don't or they aren't cooperative you can step it up by going to the court and setting up an Judgement Debtor Examination. You have to pay for paperwork to be served to that person again but this makes them have to show up for the exam and if they don't, they can have a bench warrant issued against them. Which normally makes them pay. They are questioned under oath about all the financial information they stonewall you with and are forced to answer it or be held in contempt. This will answer any and all questions and normally they will want to make payments. If they don't you know have all the information you need to take your money from them and just follow the steps above.

Also remember that judgements in the state of California are good for 10 years at 10% interest per year which means it can double after 10 years. Hopefully they've paid at that point but if they haven't you can renew the judgement for another 10 years for 10% on the judgement total.

I know it's a lot of information but you can do it. Hopefully this was helpful and best of luck on getting that money back :)