Didn't have any income at all in 2020 but was told to file zero income to be abe to receive the California pandemic relief

Really? I would look that up because I read, and filed, for several and the amount had to be $1.00. Maybe CA has a new rule to their stimulus only.. you are talking the 4th one, right?

As kiki5454 states you need to have some earned income (job income) to qualify for the Golden State Stimulus.  Here is a link to the CA Tax Board page on the subject.