Horspool v. Horspool CA4/2 ( 2013 )

Filed 10/21/13 Horspool v. Horspool CA4/2
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS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 This opinion has not been certified for publication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.
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
DIVISION TWO
RAYMOND HORSPOOL, JR., as
Successor Co-trustee, etc. et al.,
E051016
Plaintiffs and Respondents,
(Super.Ct.No. PROPS0600209)
v.
OPINION
WILLIAM F. HORSPOOL,
Defendant and Appellant;
BARBARA E. HOWARD,
Claimant and Appellant.
APPEAL from the Superior Court of San Bernardino County. J. Michael Welch,
Judge. Affirmed in part; reversed in part.
Carter & Carter and Christopher C. Carter; Knickerbocker Law Group and
Richard L. Knickerbocker for Claimant, Defendant, and Appellants.
Fullerton, Lemann, Schaefer & Dominick and Thomas W. Dominick for Plaintiffs
and Respondents.
1
I. INTRODUCTION
Raymond P. Horspool, Sr., was an original settlor and trustor of the Raymond P.
Horspool and Margaret F. Horspool Family Trust (the Family Trust) dated September 5,
1996. Defendant William J. Horspool, claimant Barbara E. Howard, and plaintiffs
Raymond P. Horspool, Jr., and J. David Horspool, are Raymond, Sr.‟s children; plaintiffs
are successor co-trustees of the Family Trust. In October 2011, we observed: “The
Horspool[1] family is well known to this court by virtue of numerous appeals and writ
proceedings stemming from the inability of various family members to cooperate and
agree in conservatorship proceedings involving the family patriarch, [Raymond, Sr.], and
from various disputes over property issues. (E.g., case Nos. E045688, E050097,
E047160, E046041, E048232, E048539, E045688.)” (Horspool v. Horspool (Oct. 6,
2011, E050166) [nonpub. opn.] at p. 2.) Since that time, even more cases have come
before us. (E.g., case Nos. E051550, E053605.)
In this case, William2 appeals from judgment for plaintiffs entered April 5, 2010,3
on plaintiffs‟ petition under Probate Code section 850, subdivision (a)(3)(B), seeking a
determination of their entitlement to possession and title to a residence on Barrett Road in
1 Because various parties share the same surname, we will refer to them herein by
their first names for clarity and convenience, and not intending any disrespect.
William‟s wife, Kelly R. Horspool, also filed a notice of appeal in this matter.
2
However, on September 10, 2010, this court dismissed her appeal as abandoned.
3 Although William also appealed from an order granting plaintiffs‟ motion to tax
costs, he raises no argument specific to that contention. We therefore deem any such
argument forfeited, and we will not further discuss the motion to tax costs.
2
Riverside (the property). Howard appeals from an order denying her motion to vacate a
terminating sanctions order and orders denying her claim of right to possession of
property.
William and Howard both contend the trial court lacked jurisdiction to issue
terminating sanctions because (1) a remittitur had not yet issued with respect to William‟s
appeal from an order compelling his deposition; (2) the trial court lacked jurisdiction to
grant monetary damages because the petition did not specify an amount of monetary
damages; (3) the trial court abused its discretion by denying the motion for change of
venue; and (4) the trial court exceeded its jurisdiction by failing to act in compliance with
judicial canons and with Code of Civil Procedure sections 170.1 and 170.6. William
further contends (1) the trial court abused its discretion in imposing terminating sanctions
because such a remedy was “drastic and excessive” under the circumstances, and
(2) Raymond, Sr., retained all rights and powers of ownership over all trust property.
Howard further contends (1) the trial court exceeded its jurisdiction in acting on her right
of possession while an appeal from a prejudgment writ of possession was pending, and
(2) the trial court failed to apply the standard of Code of Civil Procedure section 473,
subdivision (d) when ruling on her motion to vacate the default order.
We agree that the trial court erred in imposing monetary damages because the
petition did not request any specific amount of damages, and we will therefore vacate that
portion of the judgment. We find no other error, and we will otherwise affirm the
judgment and orders appealed from.
3
II. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND4
A. Initiation of the Action
In December 2006, Raymond, Jr., and David filed a verified petition alleging that
title to the property had been transferred to William through a series of deeds from
Raymond, Sr.; those deeds were invalid because Raymond, Sr., had resigned as a trustee
of the Family Trust when the deeds were executed; and William did not pay any
consideration for the property. The petition requested double damages against William
and Kelly under Probate Code section 859, but did not allege any specific amount of
monetary damages, and requested an order invalidating two deeds of trust securing loans
made to William and Kelly after they acquired title to the property. The record shows
that the petition was served on Howard by mail on December 29, 2006.
The initial hearing on the petition took place on February 8, 2007. Appearances
were made by William and Kelly and the two mortgage companies, Mortgage Capital
Associates (MCA) and Service Plus Credit Union (SPCU) from which William and Kelly
had obtained secured loans. Howard did not appear. The court continued the hearing to
April 12 and set an April 5 deadline for filing objections. The hearing was later
continued to April 16.
4 In their opening briefs, William and Howard state they are “using” reporter‟s
and clerk‟s transcripts from case No. E048539. While plaintiffs object to references to
matters outside the designated record in the present case, they also note that the clerk
preparing the record on appeal excluded certain items because they „“are located in prior
record E048539,‟” and “„it would duplicate the record.‟” Plaintiffs have therefore
adopted the references to the record in case No. E048539, and to facilitate disposition of
the issues on appeal, we will do likewise.
4
On April 6, 2007, William filed an objection to the petition. Howard did not file
objections within the time allowed by the court.
B. Motion for Change of Venue
SPCU filed a motion for change of venue on the ground the action was for
recovery of real property located in Riverside County. William asserts he joined that
motion; however, the only citation to the record he provides to support that assertion is
his opposition to plaintiffs‟ petition, in which he stated that the principal place of
business of the Family Trust should be in Riverside County.
The hearing on the motion to change venue was conducted on April 16, 2007.
William appeared through his then counsel, but his counsel did not speak during the
motion; Howard did not appear. The trial court denied the motion without prejudice on
the ground the petition dealt with the internal affairs of the Family Trust, and venue in
San Bernardino County was therefore proper because other matters connected with the
Family Trust were pending in that county.
When Howard appeared telephonically on April 29, 2009, at the hearing on her
claim of right to possession, she stated, “Also, the court—I also—have this heard in the
county I live in or reside in or the county I work in so I don‟t even know why it is [in]
San Bernardino County.” She stated she lived in Riverside County and worked in Los
Angeles County.
C. Discovery Matters
On September 7, 2007, plaintiffs noticed William‟s and Kelly‟s depositions for
October 9, after clearing the date with their counsel. At the request of William and
5
Kelly‟s counsel, the depositions were continued to November 7 and then to December 5.
On November 13, substitution of counsel forms were filed indicating that the
Mitchellweiler Law Corporation was no longer representing Kelly and William, and their
new legal representative was the Walker Law Firm.
On December 3, 2007, the Walker Law Firm requested a third continuance of the
depositions, and plaintiffs granted a continuance to February 11, 2008, a date suggested
by the Walker Law Firm. However, on February 5, 2008, the Walker Law Firm gave
notice that William had a medical appointment scheduled on February 11, and William
and Kelly would not appear for their depositions on that date. Counsel stated he could
not provide any new deposition dates within the next 30 days, and he did not provide
requested proof of William‟s conflicting medical appointment.
At a status hearing on February 7, 2008, plaintiffs‟ counsel stated the matter had
been continued while they were engaged in discovery. Counsel stated he had been trying
unsuccessfully to take William‟s and Kelly‟s depositions since the previous September.
Counsel for Raymond, Sr., then a conservatee, observed that he had made tentative
appointments for William‟s and Kelly‟s depositions “at least five times,” and each time
the dates had been cancelled with only two or three days‟ notice.
On February 14, 2008, the Walker Law Firm filed a motion to be relieved as
counsel. The declaration in support of the motion stated that “the attorney-client
relationship deteriorated in that it [wa]s no longer feasible” for the law firm to continue
representation and that William and Kelly had refused to cooperate with their counsel or
follow counsel‟s advice on a material matter and had refused to return phone calls.
6
On February 14, 2008, plaintiffs moved to compel depositions and requested
sanctions. On April 3, the trial court held a hearing on the motion to compel, as well as
on the Walker Law Firm‟s motion to be relieved. William and Kelly did not attend, but
attorney Tracy Miller, who appeared as a “friend of the court” represented that William
was unable to appear; he had “temporary disabilities,” and she had letters from his
treating doctors. She said William and Kelly did not oppose the motion for withdrawal of
the Walker Law Firm, but they wanted a continuance of the motion to compel so they
could retain counsel to oppose it. She further stated that a hearing had been set for
April 22 in connection with conservatorship matters, and that William “from all
indications, physically, he‟ll be able to be present on that date . . . .” She represented that
William was “working on retaining counsel” and was “planning on his health being to a
point where he can appear on the 22nd, and it is his plan to have counsel at that time.”
The trial court granted the Walker Law Firm‟s motion to withdraw and granted
plaintiffs‟ motion to compel depositions. The court ordered William‟s and Kelly‟s
depositions for May 21, 2008, and imposed monetary sanctions of $1,690 on William and
Kelly.
On May 20, 2008, counsel for plaintiffs left messages for William and Kelly
reminding them of their depositions. William and Kelly responded by fax that they
would not attend because they had not obtained new counsel. The next day, they failed to
appear for their depositions. On May 22, plaintiffs filed a motion for terminating
sanctions or evidentiary sanctions.
7
On May 28, 2008, William and Kelly filed an appeal from the order compelling
their depositions. (Case No. E046041.) On June 6, they filed an opposition to plaintiffs‟
motion for sanctions on the ground their appeal was pending, and the trial court therefore
lacked jurisdiction. They also argued that their conduct had not been willful. In support
of their opposition, they provided a letter from Dr. Jeffrey A. Hirsch dated March 28,
2008,5 and a letter from Dr. Vera David dated February 11, 2008.6
The motion for terminating or evidentiary sanctions came on for hearing on
June 19, 2008, and William requested a continuance until after August 1 so he could
retain counsel. Plaintiffs‟ counsel stated that counsel for Raymond, Sr., had set
depositions for William and Kelly on July 9. He continued, “We tend to put these things
on our calendar on a regular basis and then they don‟t show up. If they are not going to
show up for this upcoming deposition, could he please state it for now so we don‟t put it
in our records if they blow it off again.” William replied, “No, we will not be able to
show up.” The court continued the hearing to August 7. Meanwhile, on July 31, this
5 The letter stated: “Mr. Horspool has been my patient since July 12, 2005. He
currently has severe and partially debilitating back pain. He has untreated sleep apnea
(demonstrated by an overnight sleep study); we have not been able to obtain
authorization from his insurance carrier to provide CPAP devise. He also has recurrent
chest pain and shortness of breath that have defined precise explanation at the present
time. [¶] As such, I believe it is impossible for Mr. Horspool to answer questions in a
legal setting, such as a hearing or in deposition. Recognizing his usage of narcotic and
benzodiazepine medications (and recognizing the medical problems referenced above)
Mr. Horspool cannot withstand the stress of legal testimony of this nature.”
6 The letter stated in full, “I am writing this note to inform you that I saw
Mr. Horspool in my office today for his regular scheduled appointment. [¶] Thank you
for your attention in this matter. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate
to contact me.”
8
court dismissed the appeal of William and Kelly in case No. E046041 on the ground that
an order compelling a deposition is not appealable.
At the August 7, 2008, continued hearing on the motion for sanctions, William
appeared without counsel and requested another continuance. The court continued the
matter to September 29. Meanwhile, on August 13, William and Kelly filed a motion
for reconsideration of the order dismissing the appeal. This court denied the motion on
August 19. On September 10, William and Kelly filed a petition for review of this
court‟s order in Case No. E046041 in the Supreme Court.
At the continued hearing on the motion for sanctions on September 29, 2008,
Kelly did not attend; William appeared in propria persona. The trial court observed that
“depositions had been scheduled . . . in September, October, then, October continued to
November, and November into December, December into February, and . . . that all of
these have not been attended to by [William], and it certainly seems to the court . . . that
there has just been—not wanting to comply with the court‟s orders with respect to
discovery, this discovery process, which is essential to moving this case forward.” The
trial court asked William if he would comply with an order for him and Kelly to be
deposed. William responded that he was willing to comply before, but his counsel had
withdrawn. He stated that his counsel had not informed him of the times set for the
previous depositions, and he had been medically unable to have his deposition taken.
The court asked him again if he would comply, and he responded, “Sure. I don‟t have
any problem with that. But—and the other problem was, before I was going to go in and
9
have a deposition taken, I needed to go in with counsel, and I had not been given any
amount of time to have counsel prior to that deposition.”
The exchange continued:
“THE COURT: Well, we‟ve gone through the counsel issues several times, and
I‟m thinking if you have counsel, fantastic. If you don‟t have counsel, that‟s the way it
goes. That‟s pretty much the way I look at it at this point in time. [¶] I‟d like to see if
right now if there would be a date that we could select as a date for a deposition of you
and your wife. And since I have all counsel here right now, could you look at your
respective calendars and see if we can select a date?
“[William]: I‟m unable to do that at this time.
“THE COURT: You‟re not going—
“[William]: I still have medical issues, and my wife now has medical issues and I
do not think in her current condition that she will be able to handle the stress of a
deposition.”
Counsel for Raymond, Sr., agreed that if William and Kelly would not appear to
be deposed, “then taking the default against [them] would seem the reasonable thing to
do at this point in time because that‟s the only thing that protects my client who‟s the
beneficiary.”
After further discussion, William stated, “No. I didn‟t say I wouldn‟t [comply
with the order for depositions]. I said I cannot give you a deposition at this time, your
Honor. I‟m having a very difficult time right now just talking with you.” The court
responded: “[I]t seems to me that based upon everything that I know about this case, that
10
what you said to me today is a clear indication of just a willful violation of the court
order.” William responded, “No. I‟m willing to comply, your Honor. I‟m willing to
comply.” The court stated: “Not even a close call. So I‟m going to take the only real
action that has any meaningful effect and I will grant the terminating sanctions and order
that the responsive declarations and responsive pleadings be stricken, and the matter can
proceed by default as to William and Kelly Horspool.”
On October 16, 2008, the Supreme Court denied the petition for review of William
and Kelly. (Case No. E046041.) On October 21, 2008, this court issued the remittitur in
that case.
On November 7, 2008, William and Kelly appealed the order imposing
terminating sanctions. (Case No. E047160.) On January 14, 2009, this court dismissed
the appeal on the ground the order could be reviewed only after final judgment or by writ
petition. Meanwhile, William and Kelly obtained new counsel, Daun DeVore.
D. Prejudgment Writ of Possession
On January 22, 2009, plaintiffs applied ex parte for an order for issuance of a
prejudgment writ of possession on the property on the grounds that William and Kelly
were in default. The hearing was continued until March 24. William and Kelly did not
file an opposition to the application. The trial court granted the application, and a writ of
possession was issued.
William filed an appeal from the order, and this court dismissed the appeal as
abandoned. (Case No. E048252) On April 29, 2009, William filed a petition for writ of
11
mandate to overturn the orders for terminating sanctions and issuance of the writ of
possession. This court denied the petition. (Case No. E048232.)
When the sheriff attempted to execute on the writ of possession, Howard,
appearing in the case for the first time, filed a claim of right to possession under Code of
Civil Procedure section 1174.3. Her claim indicated she had occupied the premises on
the date the petition was filed and had continued to occupy the premises ever since. She
stated her occupancy was based on an oral rental agreement with the landlord.
On April 16, 2009, William filed a declaration stating he had substituted DeVore
out of the case. At the April 20 hearing on Howard‟s claim, William appeared in propria
persona. The court conducted a further hearing on Howard‟s claim on April 29. After
hearing the evidence, which included Howard‟s prior testimony in the conservatorship
matter showing she lived in Los Angeles, the court determined she did not have a valid
claim of possession.
Howard did not appeal the order denying her claim of right to possession.
Meanwhile, DeVore moved to be relieved as counsel for William and Kelly on the
grounds of communication problems and “disagreement regarding how to proceed with
certain decisions” regarding representation. William substituted himself in propria
persona.
William filed an appeal from the order for issuance of the writ of possession.
(Case No. E048539.) He later filed a petition for writ of mandate seeking to overturn the
order. (Case No. E050097.) This court granted the petition in part, concluding that a
12
prejudgment writ of possession could be issued only with respect to personal property.
Thus, the writ of possession was vacated.
E. Default Judgment
The trial court held a prove-up hearing as to the petition. Plaintiffs presented live
testimony and introduced exhibits. Following the hearing, the trial court entered an order
confirming that the Family Trust was the rightful owner of the property and entitled to its
possession. The trial court found that William and Kelly had acted in bad faith in
obtaining title to, encumbering, and withholding possession of the property from the
Family Trust, and the trial court awarded plaintiffs damages for the reasonable rental
value of the property from June 12, 2009, in the amount of $53.33 per day, and doubled
the damages under Probate Code section 859.
F. Postjudgment Writ of Possession
On May 10, 2010, the clerk issued a writ of possession. On May 28, William filed
an appeal from the default judgment. After additional proceedings, the trial court ordered
William and Kelly to file an undertaking in the amount of $46,000 and cure the default
under the deed of trust against the property. William and Kelly failed to appear at a
June 21 review hearing and failed to file an undertaking or proof that the default had been
cured, and the trial court lifted the stay of the writ of possession. However, at the
hearing, plaintiffs‟ counsel informed the trial court that Howard had filed a claim of right
of possession.
A hearing was set for Howard‟s claim on June 28, 2010. The trial court stated
Howard had filed a challenge under Code of Civil Procedure section 170.1, and the
13
challenge needed to be answered before the hearing proceeding. The matter was assigned
to another judge, who determined on July 21 that Judge Welch was not disqualified.
Howard did not seek review of that order.
On July 28, 2010, the trial court set an August 4 hearing for Howard‟s claim. Her
counsel requested and was granted another continuance to August 31. Meanwhile,
Howard filed a motion to vacate the terminating sanctions order and subsequent default
judgment on the grounds the orders were void. The court heard Howard‟s motion and
claim of possession on August 31. After the court denied the motion to vacate, Howard‟s
attorney filed another affidavit of disqualification under Code of Civil Procedure section
170.1. The trial court denied the affidavit and denied Howard‟s claim.
Additional facts are set forth in the discussion of the issues to which they pertain.
III. DISCUSSION
A. Jurisdiction to Order Terminating Sanction
Both William and Howard contend the trial court lacked jurisdiction to order a
terminating sanction because an appeal was pending when the trial court issued the order.
As a general rule, the perfecting of an appeal stays proceedings in the trial court
upon the judgment or order appealed from and upon the matters embraced in or affected
by that judgment or order, including its enforcement. (Code Civ. Proc., § 916, subd. (a).)
However, “„[N]o appeal can be taken except from an appealable order or judgment, as
defined in the statutes and developed by the case law . . . .‟ [Citation.]” (Pazderka v.
Caballeros Dimas Alang, Inc. (1998) 62 Cal. App. 4th 658, 666.) Thus, if a party appeals
from a nonappealable order, the appeal is not perfected, and the trial court retains
14
jurisdiction. (Ibid.; see also Hopkins & Carley v. Gens (2011) 200 Cal. App. 4th 1401,
1409, fn. 4 and cases collected.)
Here, William appealed from an order compelling his deposition. This court
dismissed the appeal because such an order is not appealable. (See Doe v. United States
Swimming, Inc. (2011) 200 Cal. App. 4th 1424, 1432 [“There is no statutory provision for
appeal from an order compelling compliance with a discovery order.”].) Consequently,
William‟s appeal was never perfected, and no stay under Code of Civil Procedure section
916, subdivision (a) ever took effect. We conclude the trial court had jurisdiction at the
time it issued the terminating sanction order.
B. Jurisdiction to Award Monetary Damages
Both William and Howard7 contend the trial court exceeded its jurisdiction by
awarding monetary damages when the petition did not specify any amount of damages.
1. Analysis
Code of Civil Procedure section 580, subdivision (a) provides: “The relief granted
to the plaintiff, if there is no answer, cannot exceed that demanded in the complaint, in
the statement required by [Code of Civil Procedure] Section 425.11, or in the statement
provided for by [Code of Civil Procedure] Section 425.115; but in any other case, the
court may grant the plaintiff any relief consistent with the case made by the complaint
and embraced within the issue. The court may impose liability, regardless of whether the
theory upon which liability is sought to be imposed involves legal or equitable
7 Preliminarily, we note that Howard lacks standing to raise the issue because she
is not personally aggrieved by it.
15
principles.” (Code Civ. Proc., § 580, subd. (a).) The purpose of Code of Civil Procedure
section 580 is to ensure that a defendant who defaults has adequate notice of the
judgment that may be taken against him. (Stein v. York (2010) 181 Cal. App. 4th 320,
325.) “A complaint that merely prays for damages according to proof without specifying
any amount cannot satisfy [Code of Civil Procedure] section 580. [Citation.]” (Id. at p.
327.)
Except to the extent the Probate Code provides applicable rules, the rules of
practice applicable to civil actions under the Code of Civil Procedure apply to and
constitute the rules of practice in proceedings under the Probate Code. (Prob. Code,
§ 1000.)
Plaintiffs contend Code of Civil Procedure section 580 does not apply because
(1) it refers to a complaint, and plaintiffs filed a petition under Probate Code section 8508
instead of a complaint, and (2) Code of Civil Procedure sections 425.11 and 425.115 are
inapplicable. However, Code of Civil Procedure section 580 is a “„statutory expression
of the mandates of due process, which require „formal notice of potential liability.‟
[Citations.]” (Electronic Funds Solutions, LLC v. Murphy (2005) 134 Cal. App. 4th 1161,
1176.) The same fundamental due process considerations apply whether the suit is
initiated by petition under Probate Code section 850 or by a complaint. Plaintiffs‟
petition failed to specify any amount of monetary damages, and William therefore had no
8 Plaintiffs brought their petition under Probate Code section 850, which
authorizes a trustee to file a petition for relief when the trustee “has a claim to real or
personal property, title to or possession of which is held by another.” (Prob. Code, § 850,
subd. (a)(3)(B).)
16
notice of the amount of the judgment that might be entered against him. We will
therefore modify the judgment to strike the provision awarding money damages.
C. Motion for Change of Venue
William and Howard contend the trial court abused its discretion by denying the
motion for change of venue.
1. Analysis
The denial of a motion for change of venue is not appealable; rather, such
challenge must be brought through a petition for writ of mandate. (Code Civ. Proc.,
§ 400; see also Calhoun v. Vallejo City Unified School Dist. (1993) 20 Cal. App. 4th 39,
41-42.) Code of Civil Procedure section 400 provides: “When an order is made by the
superior court granting or denying a motion to change the place of trial, the party
aggrieved by the order may, within 20 days after service of a written notice of the order,
petition the court of appeal for the district in which the court granting or denying the
motion is situated for a writ of mandate requiring trial of the case in the proper court. . . .”
(Code Civ. Proc., § 400.) A party that fails to seek appropriate and timely writ relief
from a ruling on a change of venue motion loses the right to a review of the order on the
merits. (Dunas v. Superior Court (1970) 9 Cal. App. 3d 236, 240.)
We note that it appears neither party brought a proper motion for change of venue.
As recounted above, William never formally joined SCPU‟s motion, and Howard‟s
oblique statement at the hearing on her claim of right of possession did not constitute
such a motion. Moreover, even assuming for purposes of argument that such a motion
for change of venue was joined or brought, neither William nor Howard filed a petition
17
for writ of mandate to challenge the trial court‟s denial of such motion. They therefore
have forfeited the right to raise that challenge in this appeal. (Dunas v. Superior Court,
supra, 9 Cal.App.3d at p. 240.)
D. Motions to Disqualify Judge
William and Howard contend the trial court exceeded its jurisdiction by failing to
act in compliance with judicial canons and with Code of Civil Procedure sections 170.1
and 170.6.
1. Additional Background
(a) Howard‟s first challenge
On April 16, 2009, Howard filed a motion under Code of Civil Procedure section
170.6 to disqualify Judge Welch. On April 20, she served the motion on Judge Welch.
She asserted that she “cannot or believes that she cannot have a fair and impartial
hearing” before Judge Welch. The court denied the motion.
On April 29, 2009, Howard filed a petition for writ of mandate as to the court‟s
denial of her challenge under Code of Civil Procedure section 170.6. This court denied
the petition the same day. (Case No. E048233.)
(b) Howard‟s second challenge
After the default judgment was entered, and on the day of the initial hearing on
Howard‟s second claim of right to possession, she filed a peremptory challenge under
Code of Civil Procedure section 170.1. Judge Welch filed a verified answer to the
challenge stating he had no prejudice against Howard and had been and would continue
to be impartial in the case. On July 21, an assigned judge filed an order denying the
18
challenge based on Howard‟s failure to prove facts justifying disqualification. Howard
did not seek review of the denial through a writ petition.
(c) Howard‟s third challenge
On August 31, 2010, the day of the continued hearing on her second claim of right
to possession, Howard filed another challenge to Judge Welch under Code of Civil
Procedure sections 170.1 and 170.3. She asserted the challenge was based on new
evidence—purportedly perjured statements Judge Welch had made in his answer to her
earlier challenge. Howard did not seek review of the denial of her challenge through a
writ petition.
(d) William‟s challenge
After his answer was stricken, William attempted on April 5, 2010, to file a
challenge under Code of Civil Procedure section 170.1 at the default prove-up hearing.
William alleged Judge Welch was disqualified because of “biased and a fixed opinion”
against William based on prior rulings made against him. The trial court found that
William had no standing to raise the issue because the terminating sanction had been
entered.
Meanwhile, William obtained new counsel, Christopher Carter. Carter renewed
the challenge at the hearing on the motion to tax costs. The trial court again denied the
motion.
19
2. Analysis
(a) Howard‟s challenge under Code of Civil Procedure section
170.6
Code of Civil Procedure section 170.6 permits a party to disqualify a judge for
prejudice based on a sworn statement. (Barrett v. Superior Court (1999) 77 Cal. App. 4th
1, 4.) If the party files a timely peremptory challenge motion in the proper form, the
court must accept it without further inquiry. (Ibid.) However, if the judge has presided
over a hearing, proceeding, or motion prior to trial that involved a determination of
contested factual issues relating to the merits, a subsequent peremptory challenge motion
is precluded as untimely. (People v. Richard (1978) 85 Cal. App. 3d 292, 299.)
By the time Howard raised her Code of Civil Procedure section 170.6 challenge to
Judge Welch in April 2009, the court had already heard and ruled on discovery motions,
had issued terminating sanctions, and had determined plaintiffs were entitled to
possession of the property. In short, the trial court had determined contested factual
issues related to the merits, and Howard‟s section 170.6 challenge was therefore
untimely. (See Stephens v. Superior Court (2002) 96 Cal. App. 4th 54, 60-64.)
(b) William‟s and Howard‟s challenges under Code of Civil
Procedure section 170.1
A determination on disqualification of a judge is not an appealable order; rather,
such an order may be reviewed only by writ of mandate. (Code Civ. Proc., § 170.3, subd.
(d).) Neither William nor Howard filed petitions for writ of mandate as to the denials of
their challenges to Judge Welch under Code of Civil Procedure section 170.1. They
20
argue, however, that the issue is nonetheless reviewable on appeal when the judge
making the order was not impartial, and the order violates a party‟s constitutional due
process. William and Howard cite People v. Mayfield (1997) 14 Cal. 4th 668, in support
of their argument. That case states a defendant may assert on appeal a claim that he was
denied a due process right to an impartial judge. (Id. at p. 811.) We therefore limit our
review of the issue to addressing the potential constitutional challenge while concluding
that any procedural deficiencies were forfeited by failure to bring a petition for writ of
mandate.
William and Howard contend Judge Welch was not impartial because of an
alleged relationship with David and his counsel, who had served as pro tem judges in his
court. An independent judge in another county reviewed that allegation and determined it
to be without merit, and we agree. Service as a pro tem judge does not create the type of
relationship with a sitting judge that the disqualification statute contemplates as a basis
for recusal.
William also contends partiality is shown by the trial court‟s rulings against him
and the fact that this court reversed one ruling. With respect to this court‟s reversal of the
trial court‟s ruling on the prejudgment writ of possession, we merely note the fact that the
trial court committed legal error does not establish bias or create the appearance of bias.
(See, e.g., In re Marriage of Walker (2012) 203 Cal. App. 4th 137, 153.) With respect to
the trial court‟s rulings against them, many of which are challenged (and affirmed) in this
appeal, we conclude those rulings were based on the lack of merit in William‟s positions
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rather than on bias. In short, William and Howard have failed to demonstrate any
violation of constitutional due process within the meaning of Mayfield.
E. Remedy of Terminating Sanction
William contends the trial court abused its discretion in imposing a terminating
sanction because such a remedy was “drastic and excessive” under the circumstances.
1. Analysis
“Failing to respond to an authorized method of discovery is a misuse of the
discovery process. ([Code Civ. Proc.,] § 2023.010, subd. (d).) So is disobeying a court
order to provide discovery. (Id., subd. (g).) If a party fails to obey an order compelling
answers to special interrogatories and/or an order compelling a response to a demand for
production of documents, the court may impose a terminating sanction by striking out the
pleading of that party and/or rendering a judgment by default against that party. ([Code
Civ. Proc.,] §§ 2023.030, subd. (d)(1) & (3), 2030.290, subd. (c), 2031.300, subd. (c).)
[¶] „The trial court should consider both the conduct being sanctioned and its effect on
the party seeking discovery and, in choosing a sanction, should “„attempt[] to tailor the
sanction to the harm caused by the withheld discovery.‟” [Citation.] The trial court
cannot impose sanctions for misuse of the discovery process as a punishment.‟
[Citation.] „“Discovery sanctions „should be appropriate to the dereliction, and should
not exceed that which is required to protect the interests of the party entitled to but denied
discovery.‟” [Citation.] If a lesser sanction fails to curb abuse, a greater sanction is
warranted: continuing misuses of the discovery process warrant incrementally harsher
sanctions until the sanction is reached that will cure the abuse. “A decision to order
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terminating sanctions should not be made lightly. But where a violation is willful,
preceded by a history of abuse, and the evidence shows that less severe sanctions would
not produce compliance with discovery rules, the trial court is justified in imposing the
ultimate sanction.”‟ [Citation.] [¶] „Imposition of sanctions for misuse of discovery lies
within the trial court's discretion, and is reviewed only for abuse.‟ [Citation.] „Sanction
orders are “subject to reversal only for arbitrary, capricious or whimsical action.”‟
[Citation.]” (Van Sickle v. Gilbert (2011) 196 Cal. App. 4th 1495, 1516-1517.)
William contends that “No accomodation [sic] was made for the severe medical
condition and medication effects on [him] since 2005 or the fact that between October
2007 through July 2008 three of [his] attorney[s] withdrew from representation at the last
moment and left [him] „hanging‟ knowing that [he] had medical excuses from his doctors
which effect [sic] his ability and his mental capacity to have his deposition taken,” and
that his attorneys failed to give him notice of the scheduled depositions or the order for
deposition. The only evidence in the record that William has cited to support his
argument of a medical condition was Dr. Hirsch‟s letter dated March 28, 2008. However,
the letter did not provide a prognosis or estimate as to when William would be able to
participate in a deposition; William did not provide any updated opinion before the
September 29 hearing; and no medical evidence whatever was provided as to Kelly.
Moreover, the successive withdrawals of William‟s attorneys were based on their
declarations that William would not cooperate, accept professional advice, and/or return
calls.
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In short, as recounted above in detail in the statement of facts, William exhibited a
chronic pattern of delay and evasiveness for nearly a year in responding to requests for
his deposition. The fact that the trial court could have imposed a lesser sanction does not
mean it was an abuse of discretion to impose the most severe terminating sanction.
(Electronic Funds Solutions, LLC v. Murphy, supra, 134 Cal.App.4th at p. 1183.)
F. Ownership of Trust Property
William contends Raymond, Sr., retained all rights and powers of ownership over
all the trust property.
That contention is not properly before us in this appeal. William‟s opportunity to
raise the issue was in the trial court; however, he forfeited that opportunity by failing to
comply with discovery orders, resulting in the terminating sanction and entry of default
against him.
G. Denial of Claims of Right to Possession
Howard contends the trial court abused its discretion in acting on her claim of
right of possession while an appeal from the prejudgment writ of possession was pending.
1. First Claim
After the trial court granted plaintiffs‟ application for prejudgment writ of
possession, Howard appeared in the case for the first time on April 16, 2009, and filed a
claim of right under Code of Civil Procedure section 1174.3, claiming a right to
possession of the property. She declared under penalty of perjury that she had occupied
the property on December 20, 2006, the date plaintiffs filed their petition; she “continued
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to occupy the premises ever since,” and her occupancy was based on an oral rental
agreement with the landlord.
A hearing was held on her claim on April 20, 2009, at which Howard appeared by
telephone. Howard was granted a continuance until April 29. On April 29, Howard
again appeared by telephone. The court denied her request for a further continuance.
After hearing plaintiffs‟ evidence, which included Howard‟s deposition testimony in a
proceeding relating to Raymond, Sr.‟s conservancy that she resided in Los Angeles, the
court determined Howard did not have a valid claim of right to possession. Howard
never appealed the order.
On December 31, 2009, William filed a petition for writ of mandate seeking to
overturn the March 30, 2009, order for issuance of the writ of possession. This court
granted the petition in part and vacated the writ of possession on the ground prejudgment
writs of possession could be issued only with respect to personal property. (Case No.
E050097.)
2. Second Claim
The prove-up hearing was held on April 5, 2010, following which the trial court
entered an order determining plaintiffs‟ entitlement to title and possession of the
property, invalidating the deeds by which William and Kelly had purportedly obtained
title, and requiring them to surrender possession of the property. The court also awarded
double damages in the amount of $31,678 for their wrongful occupancy of the property
and court costs. On May 10, the clerk issued a writ of possession. On May 28, William
appealed from the default judgment.
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On June 21, 2010, Howard filed a claim of right to possession under section
1172.9 On September 1, the trial court denied Howard‟s claim and ordered the sheriff to
enforce the writ of possession.
3. Analysis
Howard contends the trial court lacked jurisdiction to deny her first claim because
William had filed an appeal on April 14, 2009, from the prejudgment writ of possession.
The issue is moot. The purpose of a claim under Code of Civil Procedure section 1174.3
is to prevent enforcement of a judgment of possession against an occupant having a claim
of right who is not named in the judgment. (See Code Civ. Proc., § 1174.3, subd. (a).)
The prejudgment writ of possession was stayed pending William‟s challenge to it by
means of a petition for writ of mandate. This court determined that the prejudgment writ
of possession was void, and we directed the trial court to vacate it. Consequently, the
prejudgment writ of possession was never enforced.
Howard presents no argument as to how the trial court erred in denying her second
claim. We therefore consider the issue forfeited.
9 “On the trial of any proceeding for any forcible entry or forcible detainer, the
plaintiff shall only be required to show, in addition to the forcible entry or forcible
detainer complained of, that he was peaceably in the actual possession at the time of the
forcible entry, or was entitled to the possession at the time of the forcible detainer. The
defendant may show in his defense that he or his ancestors, or those whose interest in
such premises he claims, have been in the quiet possession thereof for the space of one
whole year together next before the commencement of the proceedings, and that his
interest therein is not ended or determined; and such showing is a bar to the proceedings.”
(Code Civ. Proc., § 1172.)
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H. Denial of Motion to Vacate Terminating Sanctions Order and Default
Judgment
Howard contends the trial court failed to apply the standard of Code of Civil
Procedure section 473, subdivision (d) when ruling on her motion to vacate the default
order. Her argument is nothing more than a restatement of her contention, addressed
above, that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to enter default because William‟s appeal
from the deposition order was pending. As discussed above, an appeal from a
nonappealable order did not divest the trial court of jurisdiction to rule on the motion for
terminating sanctions and on subsequent matters.
IV. DISPOSITION
The judgment is reversed to the extent it awards monetary damages. In all other
respects, the judgment and other orders appealed from are affirmed. Parties shall bear
their own costs on appeal.
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS
HOLLENHORST
Acting P. J.
We concur:
MCKINSTER
J.
RICHLI
J.
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