How many witnesses do you need in the state of CA for your will?

A standard will in California requires two witnesses. It's best if they are not related to the person writing the will, not named in the will, and certainly can not be receiving anything in the will.  The only exception to the two witness rule is for a holographic will. If the person writes the will in their own handwriting (and signs and dates it) then they do not need to have witnesses.