When the municipality was created in 1900, it’s status was that of a incorporated town. In 1911, the California Legislature added a provision whereby the word “Town” in any municipal corporation could be changed to “City.” The process was a simple one. A petition signed by twenty-five percent of the registered voters was required. Once presented to the Town Council, that body could introduce an ordinance and after thirty days it would take effect. A petition was provided to the council and at their May 6, 1940 meeting they passed the ordinance to rename the municipal corporation to the “City of Susanville.” In June, it was official—Susanville was a bona fide “City.”