California Code, Government Code - GOV § 29635

If a claim is paid under this article the county or city shall be subrogated to the rights of the claimant to whom such claim was paid against any person injuring or destroying the property of the claimant for which payment was made to the extent of the payment of the claim.  The county or city may recover the amount of the claim paid in a separate action, or may intervene in an action brought by the claimant.