California Code, Health and Safety Code - HSC § 1597.61

(a) When the department determines that a family day care home for children is operating without a license and notifies the unlicensed provider of the requirement for the license, the licensing agency may issue a cease and desist order only if it finds and documents that continued operation of the facility will be dangerous to the health and safety of the children or if a license held by the facility has been revoked by the department within two years preceding the determination of unlicensed operation. In all other cases where the licensing agency determines such a facility is operating without a license and notifies the unlicensed provider of the requirements for the license, the licensing agency may issue a cease and desist order only if the unlicensed provider does not apply for a license within a reasonable time after the notice.

(b) If an unlicensed family day care home fails to respond to a cease and desist order issued pursuant to subdivision (a), or if the department determines it necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the children, the licensing agency may bring an action to enjoin such a home from continuing to operate pursuant to Section 1596.89.

(c) The district attorney of a county shall, upon application by the department, institute and conduct the prosecution of any action brought by the licensing agency against an unlicensed family day care home located in that county.