Cal. Ed. Code § 1920
In order to provide elementary education for children residing in the county, or in order to provide elementary education for children of migratory laborers engaged in seasonal industries within the county, the county superintendent of schools may, with the approval of the county board of education, when funds are not available from other sources and in his judgment it is necessary, do any one or more of the following acts:
In lieu of providing transportation of any pupil, the county superintendent of schools may, with the approval of the county board of education, pay to the parents or guardian of the pupil the cost of food and lodging for the pupil at a place convenient to an elementary school. The amount so paid shall not exceed the cost of providing for the transportation of the pupil to and from his home and the school.
The county superintendent of schools may, with the approval of the county board of education, pay the expenses incurred in providing all the facilities and services authorized in this section, including necessary capital outlays, from the county school service fund.
All emergency schools shall be maintained in accordance with standards prescribed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Ca. Educ. Code § 1920