California Code, Public Contract Code - PCC § 20464

Suit against the sureties on the bond of the contractor filed pursuant to this chapter may be brought by any claimant, or his assigns, at any time after the claimant has ceased to perform labor or furnish materials or both and until the expiration of six months after the period in which verified claims may be filed.  The filing of a verified claim shall not be a condition precedent to the maintenance of such action against the sureties on the bond and an action on the bond may be maintained separately from and without the filing of an action against the city or officer by whom the contract was awarded.  Upon the trial of the action, the court shall award to the prevailing party a reasonable attorney's fee, to be taxed as costs, and to be included in the judgment therein rendered.