California Code, Public Utilities Code - PUC § 816

The power of public utilities to issue stocks and stock certificates or other evidence of interest or ownership and bonds, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness and to create liens on their property situated within this State is a special privilege, the right of supervision, regulation, restriction, and control of which is vested in the State, and such power shall be exercised as provided by law under such rules as the commission prescribes.