California Code, Public Utilities Code - PUC § 6004

An applicant for a franchise or privilege shall file with the governing or legislative body of the county or municipality an application, and thereupon that body shall, in its discretion, advertise the fact of the application, together with a statement that it is proposed to grant the franchise or privilege, in one or more newspapers of the county, city and county, or city wherein the franchise or privilege is to be exercised.