Transfer of Deed to Grandchild after death.

my grandmother had a clear deed & title to a small parcel of "low value" vacant land in ca. prior to her death, she gave the physical deed/title to her daughter which was my mother. since that time, all property taxes were paid and kept current by her. after my mother's death, i have discovered the original deed and am also the executor of her estate. i continue to maintain current payment of property taxes. i would like to liquidate this land to cover the administrative expenses of the estate. i have not located a quit claim deed, or other record on file, of this property's transfer from my grandmother to my mother. i am also searching for my grandmother's will. where do i locate the recorded last will of my grandmother to confirm beneficiaries? if nothing regarding this particular property is defined in the will, how am i able to acquire title in my name & control this real property. i presently posses the original title/deed document and am the executor of my mother's estate? please advise. thanks much!