CA Gov't Code Section 34871

At any municipal election, or special election held for that purpose, the legislative body may submit to the registered voters an ordinance providing for the election of members of the legislative body in any of the following ways:

(a)

By districts in five, seven, or nine districts.

(b)

From districts in five, seven, or nine districts.

(c)

By districts in four, six, or eight districts, with an elective mayor pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 34900).

(d)

From districts in four, six, or eight districts, with an elective mayor pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 34900).

The term “by districts” as used in this article shall mean election of members of the legislative body by voters of the district alone. The term “from districts” shall mean election of members of the legislative body who are residents of the district from which they are elected by the voters of the entire city. “Geographical area making up the district” shall in the case of elections by district mean the district, and in the case of elections from districts shall mean the entire city except with respect to the residence requirements imposed by Section 34882.

That ordinance may also be qualified for the ballot by means of an initiative measure in accordance with Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 9200) of Division 9 of the Elections Code.