California Code, Government Code - GOV § 960.5

The Attorney General, until he is relieved of further responsibility in the manner provided in Section 960.4, or until the matter has been reduced to final judgment, shall have the duty to defend such public agency by taking whatever steps he considers appropriate or necessary. The Attorney General, until he is so relieved of further responsibility, shall have full authority to bind the public agency by stipulation or admission.

The Attorney General may delegate his responsibility hereunder in any particular case, to any county counsel or district attorney willing to accept such delegation. When such responsibility has been delegated, the district attorney or county counsel, as the case may be, shall have the same power and authority with reference to the matter as is hereinabove provided for the Attorney General.

All costs and expenses, without limitation, of the Attorney General or district attorney or county counsel, pursuant to this chapter shall be a charge against the public agency in whose behalf he appears.