When a California mechanics lien is bonded off, the lien claimant must file suit to enforce the lien within 6 months after they receive notice of the lien being bonded off. This requirement is set out by § 8424(d) of the California Civil Code which reads, in relevant part: "The claimant shall commence an action on the bond within six months after notice is given."
Certainly, during that time, a lien claimant can (and often should) work to resolve the payment dispute and get paid without having to proceed with legal action.
For more information about mechanics lien claims being bonded off: Primer on Mechanics Lien Bonds and Bonding a Mechanics Lien.