California Code, Civil Code - CIV § 1007

Occupancy for the period prescribed by the Code of Civil Procedure as sufficient to bar any action for the recovery of the property confers a title thereto, denominated a title by prescription, which is sufficient against all, but no possession by any person, firm or corporation no matter how long continued of any land, water, water right, easement, or other property whatsoever dedicated to a public use by a public utility, or dedicated to or owned by the state or any public entity, shall ever ripen into any title, interest or right against the owner thereof.

Assessments for improvements made under the provisions of this chapter shall be paid in equal payments extending over a period of not less than one year nor more than five years, as the governing body of the municipality may determine.  Such assessments as may be approved by the governing body shall be certified by the city auditor to the county treasurer for collection, and such assessments shall be collected in the same manner as special assessments are collected.