Cal. Gov. Code § 45080

During any war emergency, the legislative body, by a four-fifths vote, may provide for the emergency employment of any person to fill any office or position in the city. The legislative body first shall find that national mobilization of trained manpower makes it impracticable for the city to recruit personnel pursuant to normal standards established for such office or position. Such person shall not be subject to the requirements, regulations, and qualifications of the personnel, merit, or civil service system adopted by the city.