Golly, just going back throught it, looks like that business has multi-thousands of claims. Seems strange....
What's the easiest way to find out if he's a sub-contractor?
My guess...google or maybe the kalifornia secretary of state's office.
The timing of the mechanic's lien is often important...could be just late pay OR the contractor thinks that the property owner is contemplating a sale of the property.
If the property is going to be sold, a mechanic's lien will show up during the title search...will queer any potential deal, until settled.
Should the "seller" enter into a contract to sell, the contractor would likely file a "lis pendans" which will effectively cancel the sale until the matter is settled.