My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: California
I moved in on July 22nd 2013 with my good friend and his girl friend into a 2 bedroom house. We agreed to split the security deposit and the rent. The deposit came out to 433.33. Anyways, I got a job shortly after that working construction for my uncle. I was always on the move and didn't need the place anymore so I gave him a 30 day+ notice that I was going to move out. I even offered to help find a replacement but they found one. When the new roommate moved in, she didn't have to pay the security deposit. I forgot to remind him to ask for it and he didn't think to either, so I let it slide until a year past.
Anyways for about 3 months prior to him renewing the lease, I contacted him multiple times about how we were going to handle the deposit. I basically got responses like "are you short on cash or something" or "maybe if we get a new roommate we will ask her". I kept asking for more concrete answers and I was flat out ignored. One day I messaged him multiple times saying ignoring wont help and he replied saying I was being annoying and that he won't be able to pay until he moves out in 2015. They are not going to get a roommate and are going to finance the house themselves.
Well I did some research on here and after he called me annoying I basically told him that legally he owes me the money and if he doesn't pay I am going to go to the proper legal channels to make sure I get what is owed to me. I sent a similar message to his gf on facebook saying I felt horrible about all of this affecting our friendship but it's not fair to me because I need the money. Why should I have to have my deposit in a house that I'm not living in. What if there are damages? I said I intended to take her to small claims if I didn't get the deposit back by 21 days after they renewed (California law).
What are my next moves? I was told to send a certified letter, return addressed, to them asking for the specific amount (which im not 100% sure is 433.33) and I can't remember the address as its been so long since Ive been. I know the street and city but not the number. I also never even spoke with the landlord because I paid them directly and my name isn't on the lease.

