California Code, Public Resources Code - PRC § 35130

At the first governing board meeting in January of each year, the governing board shall select a chairperson who shall preside at all meetings, and a vice chairperson, who shall preside in the absence of the chairperson.  In the event of the absence of the chairperson and the vice chairperson, the members present, by an order entered into the minutes, shall select one of the members present to act as chairperson pro tempore, who, while so acting, has all of the authority of the chairperson.