California Code, Government Code - GOV § 19993.6

The department, upon its own initiative, may suspend from state service without pay for a period not exceeding 30 days, any officer or employee of this state exempt from civil service for violating this chapter or the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

Such suspension is valid only if a written notice is served on the officer or employee prior to the effective date of the suspension and a copy of such notice filed with the State Personnel Board not later than 15 days after the effective date of such suspension.  The notice shall be served upon the employee either personally or by mail and shall include:  (a) a statement of the nature of the punitive action;  (b) the effective date of the action;  (c) a statement of the causes therefor;  and (d) a statement advising the employee of his or her right to answer the notice and the time within which that must be done if the answer is to constitute an appeal.

The officer or employee against whom such punitive action is taken shall have the right to file an answer with the State Personnel Board as provided in Section 19575, and request a hearing.  If the answer requests a hearing the State Personnel Board shall conduct a hearing.  The board shall consider carefully the evidence submitted in the hearing and render a decision sustaining, modifying or revoking such suspension.