Article 2. Retirement System of California Government Code >> Division 4. >> Title 3. >> Part 3. >> Chapter 5. >> Article 2.

This chapter shall become effective in any county, upon its acceptance by ordinance passed by four-fifths vote of the board of supervisors, and shall become operative in the county on January 1st or July 1st following the expiration of three months after the passage of the ordinance.

By the adoption of an ordinance passed by a four-fifths (4/5) vote, the board of supervisors may abolish a system theretofore established pursuant to this chapter or its predecessor in the county. The abolishment of the system shall not impair the right of any person to whom pension rights have accrued to continue to receive such pension after the abolishment of the system, and if the fund is inadequate to pay such pensions, they shall be paid from and constitute a charge upon the general fund of the county.

If any such system is abolished in any county, each active member as of the date of the abolishment shall be paid a refund of all contributions made by him to the fund and all interest credited to his contributions as of the date of the abolishment of the system.

The system established pursuant to this chapter or its predecessor is exclusive, and persons entitled to membership in this system shall not participate in any other system provided by law for county or county fire protection district officers or employees.

Except as provided in this article, all county foresters, firewardens, and firemen shall be included in and be subject to this chapter on the first day of the calendar month following the expiration of 30 days after it becomes operative in any county or on the first day of the calendar month following the expiration of 30 days after their entrance into the service, whichever is later.

Any county forester, firewarden, or fireman may elect to be excluded from this chapter at any time within 30 days after it becomes operative in any county. Any employee who elects to be excluded shall not thereafter be included in or participate in this system.

Any employee of the county or any special district thereof who is a member of another retirement system, and who through transfer or appointment becomes eligible for membership in this chapter, may elect to be excluded from this system. Any employee who so elects within thirty days after transfer or permanent appointment, shall not thereafter be included in or participate in this chapter.

Upon election by any qualified person to come within this chapter, he shall be excluded from any other retirement system established under the laws of this State or any city or county.