CA Educ Code Section 24609

Any allowance payable under this part to a retired member, that has accrued and remains unpaid at the time of his or her death, shall be paid to either of the following:

(a)

The option beneficiary entitled to payment in accordance with an option elected by the member.

(b)

The beneficiary entitled to receive the lump-sum death benefit provided upon death of a retired member if the member has not elected an option.