California Code, Water Code - WAT § 377.5

(a) A complaint or citation under subdivision (b) of Section 377 or subdivision (d) of Section 1058.5 may be issued by any of the following:

(b) For purposes of this section, the term “chief executive officer” includes a city manager, general manager, or other employee of the public entity who is the highest ranking officer or employee, other than a member of a multimember governing body, with responsibility for the operations of the public entity.