California Code, Government Code - GOV § 31485.20

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, no amount shall be distributed from a retirement system established under this chapter prior to the time that the distribution may be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 401(a) of Title 26 of the United States Code that are applicable to public employee plans, including, but not limited to, requirements relating to the distribution of amounts prior to the earlier of a member's death, disability, separation from service with all employers that maintain the retirement system, or attainment of normal retirement age, as defined by the retirement system.