California Code, Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 10962

The applicant, recipient, respondent, or the affected county, within one year after receiving notice of the department's final decision, may file a petition with the superior court, under the provisions of Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, praying for a review of the entire proceedings in the matter, upon questions of law involved in the case.  Such review, if granted, shall be the exclusive remedy available to the applicant, recipient, or respondent, or county for review of the department's decision.  The director shall be the sole respondent in such proceedings.  Immediately upon being served, the director shall serve a copy of the petition on the other party entitled to judicial review and such party shall have the right to intervene in the proceedings.

No filing fee shall be required for the filing of a petition pursuant to this section.  Any such petition to the superior court shall be entitled to a preference in setting a date for hearing on the petition.  No bond shall be required in the case of any petition for review, nor in any appeal therefrom.  The applicant or recipient shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs, if he obtains a decision in his favor.