Article 3. Process And Notices of California Government Code >> Division 2. >> Title 3. >> Part 3. >> Chapter 2. >> Article 3.

As used in this title:
  (a) "Process" includes all writs, warrants, summons, and orders of courts of justice, or judicial officers.
  (b) "Notice" includes all papers and orders required to be served in any proceedings before any court, board, or officer, or when required by law to be served independently of such proceeding.

When process or notices are returnable to another county the sheriff may enclose the process or notice in an envelope, addressed to the officer from whom it emanated, and deposit it in the post office prepaying postage.

The return of the sheriff upon process or notices is prima facie evidence of the facts stated in the return.

Any sheriff who does not return a process or notice in his or her possession, with the necessary endorsement thereon, without delay is liable to the person aggrieved for all actual damages sustained by him or her.

Any sheriff who neglects or refuses to perform the duties under a writ of attachment, execution, possession, or sale, after being required by the creditor's attorney of record or, if the creditor does not have any attorney of record, by the creditor and after the sheriff's fees have been paid or tendered, is liable to the creditor for all actual damages sustained by the creditor.

All writs, notices, or other process issued by superior courts in civil actions or proceedings may be served by any duly qualified and acting marshal or sheriff of any county in the state, subject to the Code of Civil Procedure.