they can depends on where you are at, at the time
I am not familiar with all California law but I would say the answer to this question is yes. A police officer can answer your cell phone, but, they may not search (look at contacts etc.) without a warrant.
no by law an employer can not search your cell phone unless he or she has a search warrant
You will need the phone number to conduct a reverse cell phone search. You can read more at reverse-cell-phone-search-directory.com
There are many online phone books where you can search for a cell phone number. Some are free, many are not. The white pages have the option to perform a cell number search.
If I understand your question, you mean locating a specific cell phone using GPS. If that's right, then no. The GPS chips in cell phones are only used for emergency location or when the police get a warrant for the phone's location.
No.
Depending on who your cell phone provider is, you will be able to search for a temporary used phone on Ebay. Just search for which phone manufacturers are supported by your cell phone provider and then search Ebay. You will often be able to find used or refurbished phones that are affordable for you to purchase until you are able to upgrade with your cell phone provider.
With the proper warrant or probable cause, a cell phone could certainly be searched. More commonly the police would obtain necessary records from the cellular service provider.
Go to the police.
police
If they have a warrant to do so - - also, if a responsible member of your household allowed them entrance, and the objects of their search were "in plain sight" - yes.
Well, if the police department thinks that a cell phone may hold important evidence, then there is no need for a warrant. By the time the warrant is issued, the evidence may have been already destroyed or deleted.