CA Elec Code Section 16501

The clerk of the superior court shall thereupon issue a citation for the defendant to appear at the time and place specified in the order, which citation shall be delivered to the sheriff and served upon the party at least five days before the time so specified, by either of the following methods:

(a)

Personally.

(b)

If the party cannot be found, by leaving a copy at the house where he or she last resided.