Shoplifting While on Vacation

I live in Santa Barbara in southern california. While on vacation in San Francisco I shoplifted a video game from a video game store. The employee/owner of the store saw me and I ran to my car and drove off. I saw the employee/owner write down my license plates while I was driving away. Can the police in San Francisco come down to southern california to question me about this or is it not worth their time to go such a long way for a petty offence.

The shop owner can have you tracked down and dragged back, but as you say, it's likely not worth their time.

You'd do well to stay out of that store if you visit the area again. You can be detained if you're recognized.