California Code, Water Code - WAT § 31997

Whenever, in order to sell and convey or sell on contract with deferred payments or lease or grant options to purchase or otherwise dispose of land deeded to the district for delinquent taxes, the board finds that it is necessary or expedient to bring an action to quiet the district's title to the land and any claimant or holder of any estate, right, title, or interest in the land adverse to the district is deceased and no executor or administrator of his estate has been appointed, the public administrator of the county whose superior court has jurisdiction of the estate shall apply for letters of administration upon the estate.