Cal. Pub. Util. Code § 125100

The board at its first meeting, and thereafter annually at the first meeting in January, shall elect a chairman who shall preside at all meetings, and a vice chairman who shall preside in his absence. In the event of their absence or inability to act, the members present, by an order entered in the minutes, shall select one of their members to act as chairman pro tem, who, while so acting, shall have all of the authority of the chairman.