Cal. Government Code § 960.3

(a) If it is shown by affidavit to the satisfaction of the court or judge that the circumstances required by Section 960.2 exist, the court or judge may make an order that service of process be made upon the public agency as provided in this section. (b) Service of process shall be made by: (1) Leaving two copies of the process for each public agency defendant to be served, together with two copies of the order authorizing the service, in the hands of the Secretary of State or in his or her office at Sacramento; or (2) Mailing two copies of the process for each public agency defendant to be served, together with two copies of the order authorizing the service, to the office of the Secretary of State in Sacramento by certified or registered mail, addressee only, return receipt requested. Service shall be effective as of the day the return receipt is received from the office of the Secretary of State. (c) Service in this manner constitutes personal service upon the public agency. (d) A fee of fifty dollars ($50) shall be paid by the plaintiff to the Secretary of State for each public agency on which service is made in this manner.