Maravilla Center v. First-Citizens Bank & Trust Co. CA4/1 ( 2015 )

Filed 5/18/15 Maravilla Center v. First-Citizens Bank & Trust Co. CA4/1
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS
California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for
publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication
or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.
COURT OF APPEAL, FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
DIVISION ONE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
MARAVILLA CENTER. LLC, et al., D067427
Plaintiffs and Appellants,
v. (Super. Ct. No. RIC541994)
FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST
COMPANY,
Defendant, Cross-complainant and
Respondent;
VALLEY CIRCLE ESTATES REALTY CO.
et al.,
Plaintiffs, Cross-defendants and
Appellants.
APPEAL from a judgment of the Superior Court of Riverside County, Daniel A.
Ottolia and Gloria Connor Trask, Judges. Reversed and remanded with directions.
Garcia & Reed and Raul G. Garcia for Plaintiffs, Cross-defendants and
Appellants.
Call & Jensen, Wayne W. Call and Todd C. Bouton for Defendant, Cross-
complainant and Respondent.
Plaintiff Maravilla Center, LLC (Maravilla), and plaintiffs and cross-defendants
Valley Circle Estates Realty Co., Rezinate Construction Corp. and Robert Z.1 (together,
Appellants) appeal from a final judgment dismissing their third amended complaint and
awarding damages, costs and attorney fees to defendant and cross-complainant First-
Citizens Bank & Trust Company (First-Citizens) on its cross-complaint. The only issue
on appeal is whether the trial court erred in denying Robert's ex parte application to
continue the trial date. We reverse and remand with directions.
1 This appeal includes the review of an order following a request for an
accommodation of a disability under California Rules of Court, rule 1.100. (Further
undesignated rule references are to the California Rules of Court.) Subdivisions (c)(4)
and (g)(3) of rule 1.100 require a court to "keep confidential all information of the
applicant concerning the request for accommodation" (id., subd. (c)(4)). Accordingly, we
have identified the individual appellant as "Robert Z." (Robert) and intend no disrespect
by this informality.
2
I.
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND2
Appellants and Rezinate San Jacinto, LLC (Rezinate), filed the underlying action
in December 2009.3 In June 2010, First-Citizens filed a cross-complaint against Valley
Circle Estates Realty Co., Rezinate Construction Corp, Rezinate and Robert. Although
Appellants have not provided us with a copy of the operative complaint or a cross-
complaint — and thus we do not know the claims or causes of action that went to trial —
from the register of actions and the judgment we understand that at the time of trial the
operative pleadings were Appellants' third amended complaint and First-Citizens' cross-
complaint.
In April 2010, the court granted Appellants' (and Rezinate's) motion for a
preliminary injunction, restraining First-Citizens from conducting a nonjudicial
foreclosure of approximately 2.5 acres of specifically identified real property in San
2 Appellants' briefs lack many record references and in places contain inaccurate
record references — all in violation of rule 8.204(a)(1)(C). Instead of returning or
striking the briefs (rule 8.204(e)(2)), we have disregarded all such unsupported assertions
that either side has presented in the briefing (McOwen v. Grossman (2007) 153
Cal. App. 4th 937, 947 ["Statements of fact that are not supported by references to the
record are disregarded by the reviewing court."]). This includes Appellants' statements
supported by references to exhibits in the mandate proceedings Robert Z. v. Superior
Court, No. E059358 (Robert Z.), that are not included in the record in this appeal.
3 On the morning of the first day of trial, Rezinate filed bankruptcy. At First-
Citizen's request and over Appellants' objections, the court severed Rezinate, and the
matter proceeded to trial with the remaining parties. Although Rezinate is not a party in
this appeal, it was a party in the trial court until August 14, 2013, and participated in all
of the proceedings in which the nonindividual Appellants participated. There are no
issues on appeal related to Rezinate or the severance.
3
Jacinto (Property). At the time, the operative complaint was a first amended complaint,
alleging causes of action for specific performance, breach of contract, intentional
interference with prospective business opportunity, declaratory relief and injunctive
relief. In this since-superseded pleading, Appellants alleged the following facts:
Maravilla acquired the Property in January 2006 and then began to develop it into a
30,000-square-foot commercial, retail and office center; to this end, in June 2007,
Appellants and Rezinate entered into a series of agreements with Temecula Valley Bank
(TVB) that resulted in a TVB loan of approximately $6.5 million; in the fall of 2008, by
which time TVB had advanced approximately $2.5 million of the loan, certain of
Appellants and Rezinate entered into an agreement with TVB, pursuant to which
Maravilla would be allowed to pay off the loan with a release of all guarantors in
exchange for a payment of approximately $820,000 by October 1, 2009; in mid-July
2009, the FDIC closed TVB, and First-Citizens took over its operations; in August 2009,
Maravilla obtained a loan commitment sufficient to make the $820,000 payment, but
First-Citizens refused to perform under the fall 2008 agreement with TVB.
As relevant to the issues on appeal, the register of actions indicates that in
December 2011 the court set an initial trial date of June 15, 2012, two and a half years
after the filing of the complaint. Between April 2012 and the August 2013 trial, Robert
(and on occasion all Appellants and Rezinate) filed nine ex parte applications to continue
the trial date, four of which were granted and five of which were denied, as we will
explain in greater detail.
4
A. April 16, 2012 – August 8, 2013: Robert Files Nine Ex Parte Applications in an
Effort to Continue the Trial
First application – granted. By ex parte application filed April 16, 2012, Robert4
asked that the court continue for 120 days the pending dates for the hearing on First-
Citizens' motion for summary adjudication, the mandatory settlement conference and
trial. As evidentiary support, Robert included his declaration and the declarations of
Jeffrey S. Goodman, M.D., and Thomas J. Ence, M.D., two of Robert's doctors. The
evidence suggested a cardiac condition and a scheduled procedure such that Robert could
not prepare for trial — which was crucial not only for him, but also for the entities, since
according to Robert he was the only person with sufficient knowledge to assist corporate
counsel. First-Citizens opposed the application, arguing essentially that this application
was a continuation of Appellants' litigation tactic to delay resolution of the lawsuit. On
April 16, 2012, the court granted the application, continuing the dates; the new trial date
was more than six months later on January 11, 2013.5
Second application – granted. By ex parte application filed October 17, 2012,
Appellants asked that the court continue for 45-60 days the pending dates for the hearing
4 Unless indicated otherwise, Robert did not have counsel of record.
5 The court warned Robert both that the new date was firm and that, if his health did
not improve, he needed to use the assistance of an attorney: "And it's going to go on the
record. This is a firm date. It's a firm date. I have this expectation. In case I'm not here
on the bench in January of 2013 when this matter is called to trial, I have the expectation
this case is going to go forward to trial. [¶] If [Robert] continues to have health issues,
he needs to get Mr. [Paul] Stanton[, counsel of record for the entity Appellants,] on board
insofar as representing his interests individually in this matter. So that's why I use that
word, 'firm[.]' "
5
on First-Citizens' motion for summary adjudication, the mandatory settlement conference
and trial. In addition, Appellants asked that the court stay all discovery and extend all
pending discovery deadlines until December 30, 2012. As evidentiary support, Robert
included his declaration and the declarations of Stanton (counsel of record for the entity
Appellants) and A. James Khodabakhsh, M.D., one of Stanton's doctors. The evidence
suggested that Robert continued to suffer from the cardiac condition (including recovery
from open-heart surgery) and that Stanton had cataracts and needed surgery on both eyes.
Stanton testified as to the prejudice Appellants would suffer without the extensions of
time and discovery stay, and Robert testified as to his reliance on Stanton's expertise in
drafting pleadings. First-Citizens opposed the application, arguing that the litigation had
been pending almost three years and that the balancing of the factors under rule 3.1332(d)
favored First-Citizens; it also urged the court not to stay discovery or to extend discovery
deadlines. First-Citizens quoted from the minute order and transcript of the hearing on
Robert's first application, where the court warned the parties that the new January 2013
date was " 'a firm date.' " (See fn. 5, ante.) On October 17, 2012, the court granted the
application, continuing the dates; the new trial date was more than five months later (one
and a half months later than previously scheduled) on March 1, 2013. (All further dates
are in 2013, unless indicated otherwise.)
Third application – granted. By ex parte application filed January 4, Robert asked
that the court extend all pending discovery deadlines for Appellants, reopen discovery for
Appellants, continue the pending date for the hearing on First-Citizens' motion for
summary adjudication, and continue for 90 days the mandatory settlement conference and
6
trial. Robert's application indicated that the evidence in support of the application was
included in his accompanying declaration and the accompanying declarations of Stanton
and Ali Khoynezhad, M.D., another of Robert's doctors, but the record on appeal does not
contain the declarations. In support of the application, Robert again argued that the
ongoing condition of his health — in particular, low blood pressure — necessitated the
additional time and that he alone knew the facts of the case. First-Citizens opposed the
application, repeating most of its previous arguments and emphasizing Appellants'
pattern of delay and missed deadlines combined with Robert's physical ability to
participate in some litigation responsibilities. On January 8, the court granted the
application, continuing the dates; the new trial date was more than four months later (one
and a half months later than previously scheduled) on May 17.
Fourth application – denied. By ex parte application filed March 13, Robert asked
that the court extend all pending discovery deadlines for Appellants until mid-May,
continue the pending date for the hearing on First-Citizens' motion for summary
adjudication for 90 days until mid-June, and continue the mandatory settlement
conference and trial for 90 days until mid-August. As evidentiary support, Robert
included his declaration, his amended declaration and the declaration of Khoynezhad.
Robert again argued that the ongoing condition of his health — again, low blood pressure
— necessitated the additional time. First-Citizens opposed the application, repeating
most of its previous arguments, again emphasizing Appellants' pattern of delay and
missed deadlines combined with Robert's physical ability to participate in some litigation
responsibilities. On March 14, the court denied Robert's application, which left May 17
7
as the date for trial. At the hearing, the court found that the declarations did not establish
the requisite good cause for the continuance of the trial and reminded Robert of the
court's prior admonitions to get an attorney to represent him in the action, especially if his
health was failing.6
Fifth application – granted. By ex parte application filed March 15, Robert
(supposedly on behalf of all plaintiffs) asked that the court continue the trial for at least
60 days, until after July 17. As evidentiary support, Robert included a declaration from
Raul B. Garcia, an attorney, and a request that the court also consider the evidence of
Robert's medical condition from the fourth application filed (and denied) two days
earlier. Robert had signed a form substituting Garcia as his (Robert's) attorney of record,
and Garcia testified that the remaining Appellants (and Rezinate) would sign similar
forms but only if the trial was continued at least 60 days.7 First-Citizens opposed the
application, repeating all of its previous arguments and adding that Robert had previously
been told to get counsel, but only did so once the court denied a trial continuance. On
March 18, the court granted Robert's application, continuing the trial until August 98 —
6 The court also reminded everyone that the business entities (i.e., the nonindividual
Appellants and Rezinate) could only appear through counsel.
7 Garcia had signed Robert's application and points and authorities, even though he
was not of record.
8 The court also filed forms substituting Garcia as counsel for each of the
Appellants, declined to reopen discovery, allowed Appellants and their new counsel until
April 11 to designate experts and ordered that Robert appear for his deposition no later
than April 15.
8
acknowledging "that this may be a ploy by [Robert] and that he may fire [Garcia's] office
before we get to the trial date and try [to get a further continuance] again."
Sixth application – denied. Within two months of the court's expressed concerns
that (1) the business entities could only appear through counsel, and (2) Robert would fire
Garcia, on May 14 all Appellants (including the business entities) filed forms substituting
Robert in place of Garcia. Another two months later, by ex parte application filed July 17
— less than a month before the scheduled trial date of August 9 — Robert asked that the
court continue the trial for 90-120 days.9 Robert's notice to First-Citizens, Robert's
application and Robert's points and authorities were signed by Michael Creamer, an
attorney; and he listed himself on the application as "Limited Scope Counsel for [Robert]
Who Is In Pro Per." Creamer never attempted to substitute in as counsel for any party,
testifying only that he would not be trial counsel and "ha[d] not been retained to provide
any legal services beyond assisting [Robert] with the deposition issues and this
application to continue trial." As evidentiary support for the application, Robert included
declarations from Creamer and John L. Sherman, M.D. Robert argued that he needed the
additional time for two reasons: (1) to retain counsel "to prepare his case for trial";10 and
(2) to attend to his health — which, according to Sherman, was an abnormal protrusion
from Robert's abdomen for which Sherman recommended a consultation with a surgeon.
9 The application asked for 90 days, whereas the notice and the points and
authorities asked for 120 days.
10 We note that Robert did not argue that he needed counsel to try the case, only to
prepare the case for trial.
9
First-Citizens opposed Robert's application, filing its own ex parte application in which it
requested (1) a prompt ruling on Robert's application, given the preparation necessary for
a trial that was scheduled to commence in less than a month, and (2) certain discovery-
related relief depending on whether the court granted or denied Robert's application. On
July 17, the court denied both ex parte applications, leaving in place the August 9 trial
date. In particular, the court found that Robert did not meet his burden of establishing
good cause, since Sherman's declaration did not establish if, let alone when, there might
be a surgery.11
Seventh application – denied. Two weeks later, just nine days before trial, by ex
parte application filed July 31 Robert asked that the court continue the trial — and all
related dates, including discovery cutoff — for 90 days.12 As evidentiary support for the
application, Robert included his declaration and the declarations of Creamer, Leonel A.
Hunt, M.D. (one of the spinal orthopedic surgeon who had operated on Robert on
May 8), and Alan D. Engelberg, M.D. (Robert's primary care physician). Robert argued
that he needed the additional time in order to undergo and recover from a necessary
11 At the hearing, the court also (1) questioned Creamer as to what he described as
his "limited scope appearance"; (2) ruled that the business entities (Appellants other than
Robert) were not parties to the ex parte proceedings, because they were not represented
by counsel; and (3) found that Robert's general state of health no longer justified further
trial continuances, given his "unwillingness to let an attorney really represent him in this
case" after repeated warnings.
12 Despite the court's comments at the July 17 hearing, Robert again submitted an
application and points and authorities signed only by Creamer, as "Special Appearance
Counsel."
10
surgery — one that had not yet been scheduled by a doctor or authorized by Robert's
health insurer. First-Citizens opposed Robert's application on the same grounds as
before, stressing that if a continuance is granted it be conditioned on Robert completing
his deposition at least 40 days prior to trial and otherwise not reopening discovery. On
August 1, the court ruled: (1) Creamer could not appear, since he was not of record;13
(2) Robert's declaration was inadmissible because it was not made under penalty of
perjury; and (3) Engelberg's declaration was inadmissible because it was undated. The
court then denied Robert's application based on a lack of good cause, explaining what
facts it looked for when a party's poor health was the basis of a requested trial
continuance. This ruling left in place the August 9 trial date.
Eighth application – denied. Four days later, by ex parte application filed
August 5 (to be heard Aug. 6, just three days before trial), Robert again asked that the
court continue the trial — and all related dates, including discovery cutoff — for 90
days.14 As evidentiary support for the application, Robert submitted his declaration and
declarations from Creamer, Garcia, Engelberg, Hunt and David Fermelia, M.D.15 This
application mirrored the sixth and seventh applications (heard July 17 and Aug. 1,
13 The court explained: "Mr. Creamer, I don't acknowledge or recognize special
appearances. I have no idea what a limited appearance attorney is."
14 Creamer, who still was not counsel of record, signed Robert's "In Pro Per"
application and points and authorities.
15 The declarations from Robert and Engelberg were the same as those submitted in
support of the seventh application with attempts to cure the earlier procedural
irregularities.
11
respectively) with an effort to provide additional evidence. This time, in arguing that he
needed the additional time, Robert attempted to "clarif[y] . . . what medical treatment and
the reconstructive abdominal surgery that is needed" and to establish that once he was
able he "will retain trial counsel for all [Appellants and Rezinate]." First-Citizens
opposed Robert's application on the same grounds as before, again requesting that if a
continuance is granted it be conditioned on Robert completing his deposition at least 40
days prior to trial and otherwise not reopening discovery. On August 6, the court denied
Robert's application and confirmed the trial date three days later on August 9.16
Ninth application – denied. The next day, August 7, Robert filed an ex parte
application (to be heard one day before trial, August 8),17 again requesting a continuance
of the trial and all related dates for 90 days. Although Robert was still self-represented,
that same day Garcia substituted in as counsel of record for the entity Appellants. As
evidentiary support for the application, Robert submitted his declaration, a declaration
16 Garcia appeared at the hearing, but since he had not substituted in as counsel, the
court would not allow him to argue. Of note, Garcia's declaration did not support what
Robert had presented in his application with regard to retention of counsel. Robert had
not retained counsel for anyone; Garcia testified only that he "ha[d] recently had
discussions with [Robert] about substituting into this action on behalf of [Appellants and
Rezinate]," but that he could not commit given "the current trial date and [Robert's]
extreme limitations." The following day (August 7), however, Garcia did substitute in as
counsel for entity Appellants — but not for Robert.
17 In multiple places in their opening brief, Appellants state (without a record
reference) that Robert presented the ninth application more than five court days before
trial. However, at the time Robert's application "to continue the trial date" was filed
(August 7) and heard (August 8), the trial was scheduled to commence merely two days
later on August 9.
12
from Creamer and copies of the declarations from Engelberg, Hunt and Fermilia that
Robert submitted in support of his eighth application, which was denied on August 6.
This application was almost identical to the prior eight applications — with one
significant addition: whereas all nine health-related requests to continue the trial were
based on rule 3.1332(c)(2), the ninth application was also based on rule 1.100.18 First-
Citizens opposed Robert's application on the same grounds as before, emphasizing that
this was Robert's fourth attempt in three weeks to continue the trial that was scheduled to
begin the next day; First-Citizens did not mention rule 1.100. On August 8, after hearing
briefly from Robert (who personally participated via Court Call), the court denied his
application and confirmed the August 9 trial date (August 8 Order). Garcia appeared on
behalf of the entity Appellants, and he requested — and the court denied — his oral
request for a stay in order to allow time to file a writ petition.
18 Rule 3.1332 is entitled "Motion or application for continuance of trial" and
provides the procedural and substantive grounds for continuing a trial date. Robert relied
on the "unavailability of a party because of death, illness, or other excusable
circumstances" as the "good cause" to continue the trial. (Rule 3.1332(c)(2).)
Rule 1.100 is entitled "Requests for accommodation by persons with disabilities"
and provides the procedural and substantive bases for requesting an accommodation,
responding to such requests and seeking review of rulings on such requests in order to
ensure that persons with disabilities have access to the courts. We have assumed without
deciding that, for purposes of this rule, Robert is a " '[p]erson[] with disabilities' "; and
we know from Vesco v. Superior Court (2013) 221 Cal. App. 4th 275, 279 (Vesco), that a
trial continuance is an authorized " '[a]ccommodation[].' " (Rule 1.100(a)(1), (3); see
fn. 27, post.)
13
B. August 9, 2013 – August 12, 2013: Maravilla Files a Peremptory Challenge,
Robert Files a Writ Petition and Rezinate Files a Bankruptcy Petition in an Effort
to Continue the Trial
On the morning of the first day of trial on August 9, Garcia substituted in as
counsel for Robert. After an unsuccessful attempt at mediation, the parties were assigned
to Judge Riemer's courtroom for trial, whereupon Maravilla filed a peremptory challenge
to Judge Riemer which was granted. (Code Civ. Proc., § 170.6.) From what we can tell
from the register of actions, the parties were told to return on August 12, at which time
they were assigned to Judge Ottolia's courtroom.
Meanwhile, earlier in the morning on August 12, Appellants and Rezinate (all
represented by Creamer) had filed a petition for writ of mandate in the Court of Appeal
seeking an emergency stay of the trial court proceedings and a 90-day continuance of the
trial date and all related dates.19 Once advised of the writ petition, in a chambers
conference, Judge Ottolia delayed the start of trial until the appellate court ruled.
Also during the chambers conference, for the first time Garcia informed the court
and First-Citizens that earlier that same morning, Rezinate had filed for bankruptcy — in
a chapter 7 petition signed by Robert, as Rezinate's managing member. Appellants and
19 This is the Robert Z. matter we introduced at footnote 2, ante. On our own
motion, we have taken judicial notice of the writ petition in Robert Z. (Evid. Code,
§§ 452, subd. (d)(1), 459; see In re Kenneth M. (2004) 123 Cal. App. 4th 16, 18 fn. 2.)
14
Rezinate then filed a notice, asserting that the automatic stay in Rezinate's bankruptcy
case stayed the entire action as to all parties and claims.20
Later in the day on August 12, the Court of Appeal denied the writ petition.
C. August 14, 2013: The Case Is Tried
When the parties returned for trial on August 14, First-Citizens presented — and
the court granted — a motion to sever Rezinate and proceed to trial with the others.21
In discussing the next issues raised by First-Citizens' pleadings, Garcia represented
to the court:
"Your Honor, if I may short-circuit this? [¶] My instructions, Your Honor,
were to come to court and tell the court that plaintiff is [sic] not ready to
proceed, that we have no witnesses to call. [Robert] will not be here. We
have no documents to introduce. Because of the time lapse [during which I
was not representing any of the Appellants], I'm not even prepared to sit
here in court and cross-examine witnesses on the presentation of their case.
So my instructions were to simply make the record that [Robert] has not
been able to participate. He's had these surgeries . . . and now is waiting
for health insurance approval to have additional surgery, which could be
any day, and that we are not prepared to proceed either affirmatively or in
defense of [First-Citizens' cross-complaint].
"So once we get to that stage where the court is going to say, 'Mr. Garcia,
are you ready to call your first witness,' I'm going to say 'no.'
" 'Do you have any evidence?' I'm going to say 'no.'
20 The Judicial Council form they used, signed by Garcia, did not contain the
required attachment showing that a bankruptcy case actually had been filed. In any
event, the automatic stay from Rezinate's alleged bankruptcy filing affected at most the
cross-complaint, asserted against the debtor, not the third amended complaint, asserted
by the debtor. (Shah v. Glendale Federal Bank (1996) 44 Cal. App. 4th 1371, 1375.)
21 The court also ruled on a number of other pretrial motions filed by First-Citizens,
none of which affect the issues raised by Appellants in this appeal.
15
"Then on the presentation of their case in chief on their cross-complaint, I
have been instructed I do not need to remain for that portion of the trial,
because I don't know anything anymore [sic]." (Italics added.)
After indicating its intention to "proceed like a prove-up," First-Citizens moved to
proceed under Code of Civil Procedure section 594.22 After hearing from counsel for
both sides, the court granted First-Citizens' motion and at Garcia's request excused Garcia
from participating further. First-Citizens then presented its evidence, which consisted of
testimony from a bank officer and seven exhibits, after which the court entered judgment
as requested by First-Citizens: the third amended complaint was dismissed; the
preliminary injunction issued in April 2010 was dissolved; First-Citizens was awarded
$4,024,960.56 against Valley Circle Estates Realty Co. and Robert jointly and severally,
along with costs and attorney fees to be determined; postjudgment interest was to accrue
at the legal rate; and First-Citizens would apply as a payment on the judgment the net
funds received from any nonjudicial foreclosure of the Property.
In posttrial proceedings, the court determined that First-Citizens was entitled to
$1,157,717.35 in attorney fees and costs against all Appellants jointly and severally and
filed an amended judgment containing the original rulings and this additional award.
Appellants timely appealed.
22 "In superior courts either party may bring an issue to trial or to a hearing, and, in
the absence of the adverse party, unless the court, for good cause, otherwise directs, may
proceed with the case and take a dismissal of the action, or a verdict, or judgment, as the
case may require . . . ." (Code Civ. Proc., § 594, subd. (a).)
16
II.
DISCUSSION
On appeal, Appellants contend the trial court erred in failing to continue the trial
on two independent grounds: (1) the court abused its discretion under rule 3.1332(c)(2)
based on the evidence of Robert's health; and (2) the court failed to comply with
rule 1.100's requirement that courts must accommodate an individual with a disability.
We disagree with the first ground, but agree in part with the second.
A. The Court Did Not Abuse Its Discretion in Denying the Continuance
Robert argues that the trial court erred in denying his fourth, sixth, seventh, eighth
and ninth ex parte applications to continue the trial (and related dates).23 We disagree.
1. Standard of Review
We review for an abuse of discretion a trial court's order denying a request to
continue a trial. (Thurman v. Bayshore Transit Management, Inc. (2012) 203
Cal. App. 4th 1112, 1126.) " 'The trial court's exercise of that discretion will be upheld if
it is based on a reasoned judgment and complies with legal principles and policies
appropriate to the case before the court. [Citation.] A reviewing court may not disturb
the exercise of discretion by a trial court in the absence of a clear abuse thereof appearing
23 Actually, Appellants assert that the court erred in denying the fifth, sixth, seventh,
eighth and ninth applications. We assume Appellants meant fourth, not fifth, since the
court denied the fourth application and granted the fifth. In any event, we fail to see how
Appellants were prejudiced by the denial of the fourth application, since the court granted
the fifth application, continuing the trial 84 days from May 17 until August 9. Because
Appellants necessarily were not prejudiced by the denial of Robert's fourth application,
we will focus on only the sixth through the ninth applications.
17
in the record.' " (Ibid.; see Avant! Corp. v. Superior Court (2000) 79 Cal. App. 4th 876,
881-882 ["if the trial court's conclusion was a reasonable exercise of its discretion, we are
not free to substitute our discretion for that of the trial court"].)
The appellant has the burden of establishing an abuse of discretion, keeping in
mind that the trial court's judgment is " 'presumed correct.' " (Denham v. Superior Court
(1970) 2 Cal. 3d 557, 564, 566 (Denham).) An appellant does not meet its burden by
arguing merely that a different ruling would have been better or more equitable. Rather,
a trial court abuses its discretion only if, based on the applicable law and considering all
of the relevant circumstances, the decision " 'exceeds the bounds of reason.' " (Id. at
p. 566.) We must affirm so long as the record contains "sufficient evidence for us to
conclude that the action of the trial court was within the permissible range of options set
by the legal criteria." (Dorman v. DWLC Corp. (1995) 35 Cal. App. 4th 1808, 1815
(Dorman); see Quantum Cooking Concepts, Inc. v. LV Associates, Inc. (2011) 197
Cal. App. 4th 927, 932 [no abuse of discretion where the ruling " ' "falls within the
permissible range of options set by the legal criteria" ' "].)
In determining the sufficiency of the evidence, as an appellate court we "may not
weigh the evidence or consider the credibility of witnesses. Instead, the evidence most
favorable to [the respondent] must be accepted as true and conflicting evidence must be
disregarded[,] . . . 'indulging every legitimate inference which may be drawn from the
evidence in [the respondent's] favor . . . .' " (Campbell v. General Motors Corp. (1982)
32 Cal. 3d 112, 118.) Even uncontradicted evidence in favor of an appellant does not
establish the fact for which the evidence was submitted. (Foreman & Clark Corp. v.
18
Fallon (1971) 3 Cal. 3d 875, 890 (Foreman).) The issue is not whether there is evidence
in the record to support a different finding, but whether there is evidence that, if believed,
would support the trial court's finding. (Bowers v. Bernards (1984) 150 Cal. App. 3d 870,
872-873.)
2. Appellants Did Not Meet Their Burden of Establishing an Abuse of
Discretion
Rule 3.1332(a) provides that "the dates assigned for trial are firm," and
rule 3.1332(c) provides that continuances are "disfavored" and may be granted "only on
an affirmative showing of good cause."
The good cause on which Robert relied in the trial court was his unavailability due
to poor health — one indication of good cause expressly recognized at subpart (2) of
rule 3.1332(c). On appeal Appellants have focused only on this allegedly good cause,
arguing that, because of the strong uncontradicted showing of Robert's unavailability due
to poor health, the court was required to grant the requested continuances.24 In so doing,
Appellants have ignored rule 3.1332(d)'s mandate that in ruling on a request for a
continuance "the court must consider all the facts and circumstances that are relevant to
24 We reject Appellants' argument that, because the trial court had granted four
applications for a continuance based on a sufficient showing of good cause, the " 'law of
the case' " was that Robert had established good cause for additional continuances. First,
the law of the case doctrine applies only to a principle or rule of law in an appellate court
opinion that is necessary to the appellate court's decision (Morohoshi v. Pacific Home
(2004) 34 Cal. 4th 482, 491) — not to an implied finding of fact by the trial court.
Further, accepting such an argument would lead to the absurd result that, once a party is
granted one continuance based on a showing of good cause, then the party would be
entitled to continuances indefinitely.
19
the determination," not just the showing of good cause under subdivision (c). (Italics
added.) These other facts and circumstances may include:
"(1) The proximity of the trial date;
"(2) Whether there was any previous continuance, extension of time, or
delay of trial due to any party;
"(3) The length of the continuance requested;
"(4) The availability of alternative means to address the problem that gave
rise to the motion or application for a continuance;
"(5) The prejudice that parties or witnesses will suffer as a result of the
continuance;
"(6) If the case is entitled to a preferential trial setting, the reasons for that
status and whether the need for a continuance outweighs the need to avoid
delay;
"(7) The court's calendar and the impact of granting a continuance on other
pending trials;
"(8) Whether trial counsel is engaged in another trial;
"(9) Whether all parties have stipulated to a continuance;
"(10) Whether the interests of justice are best served by a continuance, by
the trial of the matter, or by imposing conditions on the continuance; and
"(11) Any other fact or circumstance relevant to the fair determination of
the motion or application." (Rule 3.1332(d).)
As we introduced ante — contrary to Appellants' presentation — we do not review
the record to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support the ruling
Appellants wanted, but rather whether there is sufficient evidence to support the ruling
actually made. (Dorman, supra, 35 Cal.App.4th at p. 1815; Denham, supra, 2 Cal.3d at
p. 566.) Indeed, by failing to have presented and discussed the evidence in favor of the
court's ruling and then to have argued why it is not substantial, Appellants have forfeited
20
their right to challenge the exercise of the court's discretion under rule 3.1332.
(Foreman, supra, 3 Cal.3d at p. 881; Huong Que, Inc. v. Luu (2007) 150 Cal. App. 4th
400, 410 [before appellate court considers substantiality of evidence, appellant must first
present "a fair summary of the evidence bearing on the challenged finding, particularly
including evidence that arguably supports it"].) Further, Appellants do not mention, let
alone discuss, any of the rule 3.1332(d) factors.25 Nonetheless, First-Citizens has cited
evidence in the record that supports the trial court's denials of the requested continuances,
and we will discuss it.
At the time Robert presented his sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth applications, the
August 9 trial date was respectively 24 days, nine days, four days and two days away.
The August 9 trial date was two years eight months after Appellants filed the action in
December 2009 and included 420 days of continuances at Robert's request. In each of
the last four requests, Robert sought another 90-day continuance.
The case was not entitled to a statutory preference. However, more than three
years earlier, in April 2010 the court had entered a preliminary injunction restraining
First-Citizens from conducting a nonjudicial foreclosure of the Property — i.e., the
25 We are not persuaded by the authorities Appellants cite. Appellants rely on case
law regarding good cause for a trial continuance that predates rule 3.1332 and its
predecessor rule by more than 80 years. (Compare Jaffe v. Lilienthal (1894) 101 Cal. 175
and Morehouse v. Morehouse (1902) 136 Cal. 332 with rule 3.1332, eff. Jan. 1, 2007, and
former rule 375, adopted eff. Jan. 1, 1984.) Appellants also rely on Code of Civil
Procedure section 594, which deals with the good cause necessary to preclude a case
proceeding to trial "in the absence of the adverse party," not with the good cause
necessary to continue a trial.
21
collateral for a loan that was in default — leaving First-Citizens with a defaulted loan and
no way to attempt to satisfy its claim other than by trial.
None of the four continuances was by stipulation. To the contrary, First-Citizens
filed written opposition with supporting evidence to Robert's final four (and, indeed, all
nine of the) applications. Following the sixth application (at which a further continuance
was denied), when trial was just three weeks away, First-Citizens had begun final trial
preparations and was ready to proceed on a timely basis, despite Appellants' failure to
comply with required pretrial procedures.
In sum, Appellants had over three and a half years in which to prepare for trial.
Despite Robert's poor health, either by himself or with the assistance of counsel, he
succeeded in obtaining a preliminary injunction restraining a foreclosure, followed by
nine applications and four continuances of the trial for a total of 420 days. First-Citizens
had prepared for trial a number of times and was ready to proceed on August 9. Because
the evidence of these other "facts and circumstances" (rule 3.1332(d)) supports the
exercise of the trial court's discretion in denying the requested continuances — regardless
of the strength of the evidence of "good cause" in support of the requested continuances
(rule 3.1332(c)) — Appellants did not meet their burden of establishing an abuse of
discretion.
22
B. The Trial Court Failed to Comply with a Mandatory Provision in
Rule 1.100(e)(2)(B)
We take very seriously "the policy of the courts of this state," which is to "ensure
that persons with disabilities have equal and full access to the judicial system."26
(Rule 1.100(b); see Biscaro v. Stern (2010) 181 Cal. App. 4th 702, 707 (Biscaro) ["The
purpose of rule 1.100 is to allow meaningful involvement by all participants in a legal
proceeding to the fullest extent practicable."].) For purposes of this discussion, as we
noted above, we have assumed without deciding that, for purposes of rule 1.100(a),
Robert is a " '[p]erson[] with disabilities' "; and under Vesco, supra, 221 Cal.App.4th at
p. 279, we know that a continuance of a trial date is among the " '[a]ccomodations' "
provided for in cases like this one.27 (Rule 1.100(a)(1), (3).)
26 That said, we reject Appellants' unsupported rhetoric that "[t]he din of the policy
to move cases to trial . . . prevented the court from accommodating the needs of a very
disabled person, to his detriment."
27 "As used in this rule: [¶] (1) 'Persons with disabilities' means individuals covered
by California Civil Code section 51 et seq.; the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990
(42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.); or other applicable state and federal laws. This definition
includes persons who have a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more of the
major life activities, have a record of such an impairment, or are regarded as having such
an impairment. [¶] . . . [¶] (3) 'Accommodations' means actions that result in court
services, programs, or activities being readily accessible to and usable by persons with
disabilities. Accommodations may include making reasonable modifications in policies,
practices, and procedures; furnishing, at no charge, to persons with disabilities, auxiliary
aids and services, equipment, devices, materials in alternative formats, readers, or
certified interpreters for persons with hearing impairments; relocating services or
programs to accessible facilities; or providing services at alternative sites. Although not
required where other actions are effective in providing access to court services, programs,
or activities, alteration of existing facilities by the responsible entity may be an
accommodation." (Rule 1.100(a).)
23
Appellants argue that they are entitled to a reversal of the amended judgment,
because the trial court failed to rule on Robert's request for accommodation in violation
of rule 1.100(e). The record on appeal, however, does not support Appellants' premise;
in the August 8 Order, the court expressly ruled on Robert's request by denying his ex
parte application. Appellants expand their argument by contending that the court's failure
to address the request for accommodation "was, in effect, . . . a denial of the review
procedures set forth in Rule 1.100[(g)(2)]." The record does not support this argument
either. Rule 1.100(g)(2) provides that, in response to a judicial officer's ruling on a
rule 1.100 request for accommodation, "any participant in the proceeding may file a
petition for writ of mandate under rules 8.485-8.493 . . . ." In fact, Appellants and
Rezinate did just that: On August 12, they timely filed a petition for writ of mandate,
initiating the Robert Z. writ proceeding discussed at footnotes 2 and 19, ante. In addition,
Appellants are successfully obtaining review in this appeal.28
Alternatively, Appellants argue that the trial court erred by failing to provide a
written response to Robert's request for accommodation, as required by rule 1.100(e),
which is entitled "Response to accommodation request" and provides in full:
"The court must respond to a request for accommodation as follows:
28 First-Citizens argued both in its brief and at oral argument that, under
rule 1.100(g)(2), the writ of mandate procedure was Appellants' only right to appellate
review of the court's denial of Robert's request for accommodation. However, the rule
provides that "an applicant or any participant in the proceeding may file a petition for writ
of mandate"; the rule does not require appellate review by writ procedure only.
(Rule 1.100(g)(2), italics added; compare, e.g., Code Civ. Proc., §§ 170.3, subd. (d)
[disqualification of judge], 418.10, subd. (c) [lack of personal jurisdiction].)
24
"(1) In determining whether to grant an accommodation request or provide
an appropriate alternative accommodation, the court must consider, but is
not limited by, California Civil Code section 51 et seq., the provisions of
the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.),
and other applicable state and federal laws.
"(2) The court must promptly inform the applicant of the determination to
grant or deny an accommodation request. If the accommodation request is
denied in whole or in part, the response must be in writing. On request of
the applicant, the court may also provide an additional response in an
alternative format. The response to the applicant must indicate:
"(A) Whether the request for accommodation is granted or denied, in
whole or in part, or an alternative accommodation is granted;
"(B) If the request for accommodation is denied, in whole or in part, the
reason therefor;
"(C) The nature of any accommodation to be provided;
"(D) The duration of any accommodation to be provided; and
"(E) If the response is in writing, the date the response was delivered in
person or sent to the applicant." (Rule 1.100(e), italics added.)
Although the August 8 Order does contain a written response denying the
application, Appellants are correct in their criticism that it does not include "the reason
therefor" as required by rule 1.100(e)(2)(B). The written ruling provides in full: "Ex
Parte Application is called for hearing[.] [¶] Ex Parte Application is denied. [¶]
Hearing re Jury Trial on 08/09/13 at 8:30 confirmed[.] [¶] Notice does not need to be
given of Ex Parte ruling." (Italics added.) Thus, in denying Robert's rule 1.100 request
for accommodation under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the court
failed to comply with rule 1.100(e)(2)(B)'s requirement that the court's written response
to Robert's request provide the reason for the denial.
The grounds for denying a rule 1.100 request are limited:
25
"A request for accommodation may be denied only when the court
determines that:
"(1) The applicant has failed to satisfy the requirements of this rule;
"(2) The requested accommodation would create an undue financial or
administrative burden on the court; or
"(3) The requested accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of
the service, program, or activity." (Rule 1.100(f), italics added.)
(See In re Marriage of James & Christine C. (2008) 158 Cal. App. 4th 1261, 1265 (James
& Christine C.) ["Rule 1.100(f) permits a trial court to deny a request for accommodation
under the ADA only if the court makes a determination of at least one of three
specifically identified grounds."]; id. at p. 1273 ["[t]he grounds for denying a request for
accommodation are limited[,]" citing rule 1.100(f)]; id. at p. 1274 ["The trial court could
deny the Second ADA Request only by making a determination of one of the three
grounds listed in . . . rule 1.100(f)."]; id. at p. 1276 ["The trial court's control of the
judicial process was circumscribed by rule 1.100[(f)], which limited the grounds on
which the trial court could deny an ADA request."]; id. at p. 1277 ["In ruling on the
Second ADA Request, the only determination to be made was whether any of the
grounds listed in . . . rule 1.100(f) for denying the request was present."]; Biscaro, supra,
181 Cal.App.4th at p. 708 ["A court may deny a properly stated request for
accommodation for only one of three reasons . . . ."].)
Acknowledging that Robert's request can only be denied under one of the three
expressly listed grounds in rule 1.100(f), First-Citizens argues that we can nonetheless
affirm the amended judgment (and impliedly the August 8 Order) under two theories that
somewhat overlap. Both arguments are based on First-Citizens' contention that, because
26
Robert failed to file his request for accommodation "as far in advance as possible, and in
any event . . . no fewer than 5 court days before the requested implementation date" and
because Robert failed to "forward[ his request] to the ADA coordinator" within this same
time frame, Robert did not comply with rule 1.100(c)(3) and (1), respectively.29 (Italics
added.) By failing to comply with rule 1.100(c), First-Citizens' presentation continues,
Robert necessarily "failed to satisfy the requirements of this rule" (rule 1.100(f)), thereby
establishing one of rule 1.100(f)'s three specifically identified grounds for denying a
request for accommodation.30 From here, First-Citizens' two arguments are based on
Robert's failure to comply with rule 1.100(c)'s requirements for requesting an
accommodation: (1) Robert's noncompliance excused the court from complying with
rule 1.100(e)(2)(B)'s requirement for a written statement of the reason for the denial; and
(2) because Robert actually did fail to comply with rule 1.100(c)'s notice requirements,
Appellants cannot show prejudice by the court's failure to have given its reasons in
writing (see Cal. Const., art. VI, § 13; Code Civ. Proc., § 475). Neither argument is
persuasive.
29 On its face, Robert's application for an accommodation discloses that it was filed
on August 7 (to be heard on August 8) and sought an accommodation for a trial that was
scheduled to commence less than two days later on August 9. First-Citizens also tells us
that Robert "never forwarded any such request to the ADA coordinator," but does not
provide a record reference for this statement, and our review of the record does not
disclose evidence one way or another.
30 First-Citizens' argument also requires us to infer that the court did not waive the
five-day notice requirement (for either requesting the accommodation or forwarding it to
the ADA coordinator), which is expressly authorized by rule 1.100(c)(3).
27
First-Citizens' first argument fails, because rule 1.100(e)(2)(B) does not excuse the
requirement for a written explanation of the reason for denying a request when the
applicant does not comply with rule 1.100(c). To the contrary, noncompliance with
rule 1.100(c) is arguably one of the specifically identified grounds for denying the request
(rule 1.100(f)(1)) and thus provides a valid basis on which to deny the request so long as
the denial is in writing with that explanation. (Rule 1.100(e)(2)(B).) First-Citizens'
second argument fails, because according to Biscaro, the court's failure to comply with
the "mandatory dut[ies]" required in ruling on a request for accommodation under
rule 1.100 is "structural error" that requires a reversal without the necessity of
establishing prejudice. (Biscaro, supra, 181 Cal.App.4th at p. 710.)
Accordingly, based on the trial court's failure to have complied with
rule 1.100(e)(2)(B)'s requirement that the court provide a written reason for denying
Robert's request for accommodation, we reverse the amended judgment. We now
consider what directions to provide on remand.
In Biscaro, the trial court never ruled on the defendant appellant's request for
accommodation, instead issuing a restraining order against the appellant and entering a
default judgment against him. (Biscaro, supra, 181 Cal.App.4th at p. 705.) Based on the
court's failure to have ruled on the request for accommodation, the appellate court
reversed the judgment and remanded with directions that the trial court "rule on
appellant's request for accommodation of his disabilities and for any further proceedings
that may be necessary based on that ruling." (Id. at p. 712.) In James & Christine C., the
trial court denied the appellant's request for accommodation on an impermissible ground
28
— i.e., one not specified in rule 1.100(f) — and proceeded to enter a family court
judgment regarding child custody and visitation, support, attorney fees, and valuation and
division of community property. (James & Christine C., supra, 158 Cal.App.4th at
pp. 1264-1265, 1271.) Based on the court's erroneous denial of the requested
accommodation, the appellate court reversed the judgment, ruled that none of the three
grounds specified in rule 1.100(f) (which could have supported the denial of the request)
was present and remanded for a retrial of "the entire matter, from the outset." (James &
Christine C., at pp. 1277-1278.)
In contrast, here the court did rule on the request, but we do not have sufficient
information — namely, a reason for the ruling — to determine whether the ruling was
correct. Accordingly, we remand the matter to Judge Trask (who made the rulings
contained in the August 8 Order) with directions that, based on the record that was before
her on August 8 when she denied Robert's request for accommodation, she provide in
writing the reason for the denial, as required by rule 1.100(e)(2)(B). If the stated reason
is one or more of those specified in rule 1.100(f), then the court shall reinstate the
amended judgment nunc pro tunc to October 3, 2013.31 (See Fox v. Hale & Norcross
Silver Min. Co. (1895) 108 Cal. 478, 480 [authority of court to order nunc pro tunc entry
of judgment "is inherent in the court, and is to be exercised for the purpose of doing
31 Appellants do not raise any issues or arguments regarding the actual trial
proceedings, only that the court erred in not continuing them. Thus, if there was no error
in denying the request for accommodation (i.e., in denying the continuance), then there is
no basis on which to alter any of the rulings at trial — a trial at which Appellants were
represented by counsel who stated to the court that his clients were not prepared to
proceed and who asked to be allowed to leave the proceedings.
29
justice between the parties"]; Dominguez v. City of Alhambra (1981) 118 Cal. App. 3d
237, 242 [appellate court has power to direct trial court to enter order nunc pro tunc].) If
the stated reason is anything other than one or more of those specified in rule 1.100(f) (or,
if in articulating the reason, the court reconsiders its August 8 ruling and grants the
request), then the court shall conduct further proceedings consistent with its ruling on
remand.
DISPOSITION
The October 3, 2013 amended judgment is reversed. The matter is remanded to
the Honorable Gloria Connor Trask with the following directions: Based on the record
that was before the court on August 8, 2013, when the court denied Robert Z.'s August 7,
2013 request for accommodation, Judge Trask shall provide in writing the reason for the
August 8, 2013 denial, as required by California Rules of Court, rule 1.100(e)(2)(B). If
the stated reason is one or more of those specified in rule 1.100(f), then the court shall
reinstate the amended judgment nunc pro tunc to October 3, 2013. If the stated reason is
anything other than one or more of those specified in rule 1.100(f) (or if the court
reconsiders its ruling and grants the request), then the court shall conduct further
proceedings consistent with its ruling on remand.
30
In the interests of the justice, the parties shall bear their respective costs on appeal.
(Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.278(a)(5).)
IRION, J.
WE CONCUR:
HUFFMAN, Acting P. J.
MCDONALD, J.
31