Can parent buy a car, laptop to student to reduce savings assets?
Sure.
The FAFSA is only used to determine if students qualify for a federal Pell Grant. Parental income & assets are assessed at <6%, and the EFC is largely income driven. If parents spent $5,000 it would reduce the EFC by less than $500. Are you trying to qualify for CA state grants? Are they dependent of the FAFSA EFC?