Mike I expirenced the same frustration. My great grandmother spent 33 years in that hole. I was able to retreive a portion of her records. They remain sealed for 75 years, but every 6 months I write for the next installment. At the California State archives Genevieve Troka has been very helpfull. You can contact her at:
California State Archives
1020 "O" Street
Sacremento, CA 95814
(916) 653-7715

If this information you already have then just disregard. If not, hope this is helpfull information.

Wendy