CA Gov't Code Section 36812.1

If a written statement to contest the election of a city officer pursuant to Sections 16400 and 16401 of the Elections Code is filed with the city clerk prior to the commencement of any proceeding by the city council, pursuant to Section 36812, the authority of the city council to commence those proceedings shall be suspended for the applicable period of time specified in Section 16401 of the Elections Code for the filing of the statement of contest.

Upon the expiration of the period of time, the city council may proceed pursuant to Section 36812 if no proceedings have been instituted pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 16500) of Chapter 6 of Division 16 of the Elections Code, or those proceedings are terminated without judgment being rendered by the court.