Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

One does not need a statutory section for that. If you damage property within the state you are responsible for the damages. The State clearly has jurisdiction over property in the state and the right to protect its citizens and guests by allowing them to sue someone who causes instate damages,

Vehicle Code section 17451. "The acceptance by a nonresident of the rights and privileges conferred upon him by this code or any operation by himself or agent of a motor vehicle anywhere within this state, or in the event the nonresident is the owner of a motor vehicle then by the operation of the vehicle anywhere within this state by any person with his express or implied permission, is equivalent to an appointment by the nonresident of the director or his successor in office to be his true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served all lawful processes in any action or proceeding against the nonresident operator or

nonresident owner growing out of any accident or collision resulting from the operation of any motor vehicle anywhere within this state by himself or agent, which appointment shall also be irrevocable and binding upon his executor or administrator."

With respect to small claims jurisdiction, it is also provided with respect to the statute regarding service on nonresident defendants. (Code of Civ. Proc., sect. 116.340 subd. (g).)

http://law.onecle.com/california/civil-procedure/116.340.html