My husband has abandoned me, I can't find him anywhere. He did tell me that he would never give me a divorce. Can I get a divorce without is help? Doesn't he have to be served divorce papers in order for the divorce to proceed? This is in calif.

If you know where he is, you have to report this, if you really don't, you provide the court with the info you have, certain levels of searches have to be done, as well as posting in legal section of the newspaper ( in most areas) But if he really can not be found, then yes it can be.
If you do know and lie and he proves this, then it is possible for him to go back to revisit the divorce.

my husband has abandoned me, i can't find him anywhere. he did tell me that he would never give me a divorce. can i get a divorce without is help? doesn't he have to be served divorce papers in order for the divorce to proceed? this is in calif.
Your husband cannot keep you from getting a divorce; you do not need his help. You should review your case with a good matrimonial lawyer and get the technicalities right the first time.