Gov. Code, § 5808

(a) Before selling any securities, any issuer shall advertise such securities for sale at public sale and shall invite sealed bids therefor by publication of a notice once at least 10 days before the date of such public sale in a newspaper of general circulation circulated within the boundaries of each public body to be aided by the public project to be financed by the issuance of such securities. If one or more satisfactory bids are received pursuant to such notice, such securities shall be awarded to the highest responsible bidder. If no bids are received or if the issuer determines that the bids received are not satisfactory as to price or responsibility of the bidders, the issuer may reject all bids received, if any, and either readvertise or sell such securities at private sale.

(b) Any issuer may privately negotiate the acquisition of a private water company or the capital stock of such a company with the owner or owners thereof and issue its securities directly to such owner or owners without complying with any of the provisions of subdivision (a), provided that such acquisition is made pursuant to a written agreement entered into prior to January 1, 1978.

(c) Any issuer utilizing the provisions of subdivision (b) may issue its securities to the holders of outstanding securities issued by the same issuer in connection with the exercise of a conversion privilege embodied in any such outstanding security.