Cal. Sts. & High. Code § 25280

The board of directors of the district may request the board of supervisors and the proper officers of any county situated within the district to condemn and acquire property or rights-of-way within that county which are necessary for the projects of the district. Upon receipt of the request, the board of supervisors shall undertake the condemnation and acquisition requested by the board of directors and the cost thereof shall be a proper deduction from any levy made by the district upon or within that county. Any excess in such cost over and above the amount of any such levy shall be paid to the county by the district out of any funds provided for that purpose. The proceedings required to be taken by any county or county officers under the provisions of this section may include the taking of possession prior to judgment of any property or rights-of-way necessary for district purposes.