California Code, Corporations Code - CORP § 301

(a) Except as provided in Section 301.5, at each annual meeting of shareholders, directors shall be elected to hold office until the next annual meeting.  However, to effectuate a voting shift (Section 194.7) the articles may provide that directors hold office for a shorter term.  The articles may provide for the election of one or more directors by the holders of the shares of any class or series voting as a class or series.

(b) Each director, including a director elected to fill a vacancy, shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which elected and until a successor has been elected and qualified.