California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7099

If, upon investigation, the registrar has probable cause to believe that a licensee, or an applicant for a license under this chapter, has committed any acts or omissions which are grounds for denial, revocation, or suspension of license, he or she may, in lieu of proceeding pursuant to this article, issue a citation to the licensee or applicant.  Each citation shall be in writing and shall describe with particularity the nature of the violation, including a reference to the provisions alleged to have been violated.  In addition, each citation may contain an order of correction fixing a reasonable time for correction of the violation or an order, against the licensee only, for payment of a specified sum to an injured party in lieu of correction, and may contain an assessment of a civil penalty.