California Code, Public Contract Code - PCC § 20434

An action to determine the validity of proceedings relating to the work and the validity of any contract entered or to be entered into pursuant thereto may be brought by the legislative body or by the contractor pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 860) of Title 10 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.  For such purpose proceedings shall be deemed to be in existence upon the award of the contract.  An action may be commenced and concluded by the legislative body before the publication of the notice inviting bids, and for such purpose the proceedings shall be deemed to be in existence upon the adoption of the resolution ordering the work.