2009 California Government Code - Section 34400-34414 :: Chapter 1. Special Charter Cities

34400.  The legislative body of any city organized or incorporated
prior to noon on January 1, 1880, upon receiving a petition
requesting the reorganization of the city, signed by not less than
one-fifth of the qualified electors of the city as shown by the vote
cast at the last municipal election, shall submit to the electors of
the city at the next general election held in the city the question
whether the city shall become organized pursuant to this chapter.

34401.  Notice of the election shall be given by publication in a
newspaper printed and published in the city or if there is none, by
printing and posting in at least four public places in the city,
including the places where the election is to be held.

34402.  The notice shall be given for at least the four weeks prior
to the election, and be made a part of the general election notice.

34403.  The notice shall distinctly state the proposition to be
submitted and invite the electors to vote upon the proposition by
placing upon their ballots "For reorganization," or "against
reorganization," or equivalent words.

34404.  The votes shall be canvassed at the time and in the manner
that other votes cast at the election are canvassed.

34405.  If a majority of all the electors voting at the election
vote for reorganization, the legislative body, by an order entered
upon the minutes, shall cause the clerk to transmit to the Secretary
of State a certified abstract of the vote.

34406.  The abstract shall show the whole number of electors voting
at the election, the number of votes cast for reorganization, and the
number of votes cast against reorganization.

34407.  The legislative body shall immediately call a special
election, to be held within six weeks, for the election of officers
required to be elected.

34408.  The legislative body shall canvass the election, and declare
and enter the result upon its journal.

34409.  From the date of the entry, the city is organized with the
powers of general law cities.

34410.  Upon qualifying the officers shall enter upon the duties of
their offices, and hold office until the next general municipal
election held in the city and until their successors are elected and
qualified.

34411.  Any city organized pursuant to this chapter is deemed for
all purposes to be the identical corporation that existed before the
reorganization.

34412.  Reorganization does not affect or impair the title to any
property owned or held by the city or in trust for it, or any debts,
demands, liabilities, or obligations existing in favor of or against
the city, or any pending proceeding. Reorganization does not repeal
or affect any ordinance remaining unrepealed, or discharge any person
from any existing civil or criminal liability for the violation of
any ordinance. Ordinances not in conflict with general laws remain in
force until repealed or amended.

34413.  After reorganization proceedings previously commenced shall
be conducted pursuant to general laws.

34414.  The provisions of Sections 34331 and 34332 apply to cities
organized pursuant to this chapter.