I can't speak to CA's rules for arrest vs search warrants, but in my state (NH) an arrest warrant allows LE to enter the wanted person's residence for the purpose of locating him/her. If the wanted person is believed to be in the property of another, a search warrant is required. There are limited exceptions, including consent or exigency, but non-consensual exceptions are viewed quite narrowly.

Keep in mind the NH state constitution protects citizens' rights more stringently than the US Constitution, especially in regards to search and seizure.