California Code, Public Resources Code - PRC § 5565

The legal title to all property acquired by the district under the provisions of this article shall immediately and by operation of law vest in the district, and shall be held by the district in trust for, and is dedicated and set apart for, the uses and purposes set forth in this article.  The board may hold, use, acquire, manage, occupy, and possess such property, as provided in this article.

The board may take conveyances or other assurances for all property acquired by it under the provisions of this article in the name of the district, to and for the uses and purposes expressed in this article, and it may institute and maintain all actions and proceedings, or suits at law or in equity, necessary or proper in order to carry out the provisions of this article, or to enforce, maintain, protect, or preserve all rights, privileges, and immunities created by or acquired in pursuance of this article.  In all courts, actions, suits, or proceedings, the board may sue, appear, and defend, in person or by attorneys and in the name of the district.