Cal. GOV § 9360.1

If the estate of the deceased member is his beneficiary, or if no beneficiary has been designated by him, or if the designated beneficiary cannot be found by the board, it may in its discretion pay to the funeral director who conducted the funeral, or to any person or organization that has paid the funeral director from his or the organization’s funds, all or a portion of any amount payable under this system, but not more than expenses of the funeral or the portion of such expenses paid by the person or organization, as evidenced by the sworn itemized statement of the funeral director and by such other documents as the board may require. Payment so made is a full discharge of the board and system for the amount so paid.