California Code, Water Code - WAT § 26300

(a) Subject to the limitations of Section 3900.5  [FN1] of the Revenue and Taxation Code and Sections 26225 and 26290 and subdivision (b) a collector's deed conveys to the grantee free of all encumbrances the absolute title to the property described in it except when the land is owned by the United States or this state, in which case it is prima facie evidence of the right of possession.

(b) If the record title to minerals or to oil, gas or other hydrocarbon substances was held by one or more persons other than the owner of the land at the date of the assessment for which the property was sold, the collector's deed to the land shall not convey title to such minerals, oil, gas or other hydrocarbon substances;  provided that the minerals, oil, gas or other hydrocarbon substances so held under separate ownership shall be subject to sale for delinquent assessments assessed to the owner of such substances, in the same manner as with respect to land.