California Code, Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC § 4676

(a) When excess proceeds from the sale of tax-defaulted property exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150), the county shall provide notice of the right to claim the excess proceeds, as provided in this section.

(b) No later than 90 days after the sale of the property, the county shall mail written notice of the right to claim excess proceeds to the last known mailing address of parties of interest, as defined in Section 4675.  The county shall make a reasonable effort to obtain the name and last known mailing address of parties of interest.

(c) If the last known address of a party of interest cannot be obtained, the county shall publish notice of the right to claim excess proceeds in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.  Publication is not required if the cost to publish is equal to or greater than the amount of the excess proceeds.  The notice shall be published once a week for three successive weeks and shall commence no later than 90 days after the sale of the property.

(d) The cost of obtaining the name and last known mailing address of parties of interest and of mailing or publishing the notices required under this section shall be deducted from the excess proceeds and shall be distributed to the county general fund.