There is a rootsweb list where volunteers will do lookups (live nearby and go into the court house) CA-DEATH-INDEX list. He's not in the archives as having a lookup requested. What would it tell us that would be relevant? Somebody looked one up for me in Santa Clara County, and it gave name, place, DOB, death date, cause, mother's maiden name, father's name, birthplace, disposition of body, can't remember if there is anything else. Nobody has requested a search on the death index list on that name.
You can write most libraries, and for a small fee, get a copy of an obit, but I doubt there is one because there are lots of different papers to search plus it doesn't sound like he left any survivors.
His probate records might be there somewhere, too, even if he died intestate.
Presuming the information this thread is accurate, the value of obtaining an inexpensive “informational copy” of Ludwig’s death certificate could include verifying the claimed social security number (or the last 4 digits) and identifying his location at the time of his death (which could lead to persons who knew him, such as friends, relatives, business partners, or medical professionals).
An obituary of Ludwig could reveal additional information on his background and family, and could lead to additional information such as the location of real estate he owned and where a probate case may have been filed.
There’s a local genealogical society in SLO, whose volunteers could help locate records and an obituary: