My question involves business law in the state of: California

I left work on Monday and headed towards the parking lot where I park my car. It is a privately owned parking lot with a per diem rate which I pay each time (and have proof of payment). When I arrived at the lot, an employee in a van was blocking my vehicle and said that the vehicle was going to be towed unless i paid the $1,445 that I owed (for 21 days of unpaid parking fees). When I asked for the detail of the fees the guy said that he didn't have it and I had to pay the full amount or i couldn't leave with my vehicle. I told him that there was NO WAY that I owed that much because I pay every time and that I would prove it if they gave me the detail (dates, times, etc.). I also asked why they didn't notify me that I hadn't paid (never got one notice). Then I said how does $15/day x 21 = $1,445 and he said that amount includes fines for nonpayment. He couldn't show me any support and refused to move his van.

Anyway, what I want to know is can a private business such as a parking garage legally impound a vehicle (such as they did with mine) and hold it ransom until you pay amounts they think you owe?