Cal. Gov. Code § 29841

When any approved claim or order against funds in the county treasury is presented to the county auditor, and the claim or order constitutes a valid claim against a specific fund, and moneys are not available in the fund from which to pay the claim or order, he or she shall endorse on the claim or order the words “Not approved for want of funds” and shall register the claim or order in the records of his or her office.