California Code, Government Code - GOV § 27440

If the public administrator fails to qualify or fails to perform in person the duties of his office, the coroner shall be ex officio public administrator.  If both the public administrator and the coroner fail to qualify or to perform the duties of the office, the board of supervisors shall appoint a suitable person as public administrator.  All laws applicable to the qualification, powers, duties, and compensation of the public administrator shall apply to the coroner or appointee of the board.