California Code, Government Code - GOV § 32062

At any time before the first payment of any pension is made, a member or pensioner may elect to receive the actuarial equivalent at that time of his pension in a lesser pension payable throughout his life and that of his widow, widower or beneficiary, if he or she survives him, in accordance with one of the following options:

Option 1:  Upon his death, such lesser pension shall be continued throughout the life of and paid to his widow, widower or beneficiary.

Option 2:  Upon his death, one-half of such lesser pension shall be continued throughout the life of and paid to his widow, widower or beneficiary.