Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

You need to give us the background facts as to how he got possession of the items, why does he want to keep them, what was said by both of you as to who could keep the items, etc. In general, the original owner of property retains ownership unless they clearly transfer it away. If the other person will not return the items but did not steal them, the only remedy is to sue. Small Claims Court only allows suits for money damages and not to recover property.