Beebe

Contra Costa County Social Service Department, respondent herein, petitioned below for an order (Civ. Code, § 232 et seq.) declaring a four-year-old minor free of the custody and control of her father, appellant here. Following the death of his wife, appellant had requested that their child be placed in a foster home. She was made a ward of the juvenile court as a dependent child, and placed in a foster home.

The verified petition for declaration of abandonment alleged “the names and addresses of the parents and relatives,” including “Father: Hugh Herbert Beebe, address unknown.” On the same day the petition was filed, and with no other showing, the court made its order fixing date of hearing, directing issuance of citation, and ordering service thereof to be made by publication in a Martinez newspaper. Publication was made. No other service was made or attempted upon the father. He failed *645 to appear at the hearing. His daughter was declared free of his custody and control, apparently preparatory to adoption proceedings. The father filed timely notice of appeal. The only issue is the adequacy of the showing made to support the order for service of citation upon the…