Cal. SHC § 30110

The commission, in behalf of the State, by itself or its agents or assigns, or through the department or its agents or assigns, may operate the transportation facilities of any toll bridge or other highway crossing constructed or acquired pursuant to this chapter and the additional transportation facilities authorized to be constructed or acquired pursuant to this chapter. This power may be exercised upon default of any party contracting under Section 30104 or 30105 with the commission for the transportation of persons or property for hire over any toll bridge or other toll highway crossing, or upon the termination or cessation of any such contract or agreement, or in the absence of such contract or agreement.

Prior to the operation of any such transportation facilities by the commission or its agents or assigns or by the department or its agents or assigns, the commission shall first determine that the operation thereof is advisable or necessary for the financing of the bridge or other toll highway crossing, or for the proper or necessary use of the bridge or other toll highway crossing, and is for the best interests of the State.