Cal. Wat. Code § 35504.5
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 35504, a district may exercise the powers granted a district by this article after a hearing by the board on the question of whether or not the district shall exercise any or all the powers granted by this article. Notice of such hearing shall be given in the manner specified in Section 36254. At the time of the hearing, the board shall hear all interested persons and receive any written protests by any owner of property within the district. Protests shall be made in the manner provided in Section 36255. The board shall not exercise any of the powers granted by this article if a majority written protest is filed against the exercise of such powers. Whether or not a majority protest is made shall be determined in the manner provided in Section 36256.
Ca. Water Code § 35504.5