Feeling for your troubles.....
Tho the registering out of state option is the easiest, if you plan on driving it here in CA you run the risk of starting this process all over.
If a vehicle is operated in CA for an extended period of time it has to be registered here. Which means if you get cited for anything the clock starts. As long as you don't get pulled over you are ok.
Perhaps petitions to legislature are in order. 
good luck.
__________________
87 FJ60, rust free, 186K, 3rd owner, 31x10.5 BFGAT, Red Top, 4runner calipers
1964 Dodge D100 Sweptline CSS
88 FJ62.........SOLD
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
|