I don't know what state your in (Cali I think right!?!?!) but the one time I called them (about 6 years ago) I lived in Ohio and when I called them they told me I needed to contact the police first and that if the police thought it was "dangerous enough" they would call CPS!!!
I hate being in situation like that...good luck with what ever you decided!!!! (((HUGS))) for you and those kids!!!!