Court Opinion

ID: 856756
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2013-03-29 19:34:51.831166+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:06:36.478821
License: Public Domain

Filed 3/29/13 Tri-City Healthcare Dist. v. Young 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                      NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS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
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                    COURT OF APPEAL, FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

                                                  DIVISION ONE

                                           STATE OF CALIFORNIA

TRI-CITY HEALTHCARE DISTRICT,                                       D059573, D059592, D059594 and
                                                                    D059595
         Plaintiff and Respondent,

         v.
                                                                    (Super. Ct. Nos. 37-2010-00062910-
JOHN YOUNG,                                                         CU-HR-NC, 37-2010-00062911-CU-
                                                                    HR-NC, 37-2010-00062912-CU-HR-
         Defendant and Appellant.                                   NC and 37-2010-00062913-CU-HR-
                                                                    NC)

         CONSOLIDATED APPEALS from orders of the Superior Court of San Diego

County, Harry L. Powazek, Judge. Affirmed.

         Tri-City Healthcare District (Tri-City) petitioned for protective orders against

Dr. John Young on behalf of four of its employees. (Code Civ. Proc.,1 § 527.8.) After

an evidentiary hearing, the court issued orders enjoining Dr. Young from further contact

with the four employees and prohibiting Dr. Young from entering Tri-City's hospital

(except for emergency purposes). The court additionally provided a procedure whereby

1        All further statutory references are to the Code of Civil Procedure.
Dr. Young could participate in hospital board meetings without being physically present

at the hospital.

       On appeal, Dr. Young raises numerous contentions, including: (1) insufficient

evidence supported the need for the section 527.8 protective orders; (2) the court failed to

apply proper legal standards and proof burdens; (3) Tri-City sought the orders for an

improper purpose; and (4) the protective orders violated his First Amendment rights to

attend governmental board meetings. The contentions are without merit and we affirm

the orders.

                   FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

                                       Background

       Tri-City is a subdivision of the state and operates a hospital, Tri-City Medical

Center (Hospital), in Oceanside, California. Tri-City is governed by a publicly elected

board of directors (the Board). Dr. Young, a cardiothoracic surgeon, previously practiced

at the Hospital. In 2009, Tri-City revoked Dr. Young's medical privileges based on a

finding that he had engaged in disruptive, unprofessional behavior. Dr. Young's

mandamus petition challenging the revocation is pending in the superior court in a

separate action (mandate action).

       On December 13, 2010, Tri-City filed four section 527.8 petitions seeking to

enjoin Dr. Young from having any further contact with four specified employees,

alleging that Dr. Young had a long history of disruptive and intimidating behavior and

recently Dr. Young's "harassing, violent, and erratic behavior" had escalated, particularly

at Tri-City's monthly Board meetings. The four employees were: (1) Matthew Soskins,

                                             2
Tri-City's in-house counsel; (2) Larry Anderson, Tri-City's chief executive officer (CEO)

and Board member; (3) George Coulter, a Board member; and (4) Jami Piearson, Tri-

City's director of regulatory compliance and quality.

       Tri-City sought the protective orders because the "employees feel threatened and

frightened by Dr. Young." In support, Tri-City submitted lengthy declarations from each

of the four employees detailing incidents in which Dr. Young engaged in erratic and

threatening behavior. Tri-City also submitted the declarations of two security officers

who witnessed some of the incidents. After reviewing the petitions and supporting

declarations, the court granted temporary restraining orders.

       The court thereafter held a two-day evidentiary hearing regarding Tri-City's

request for permanent (three-year) restraining orders. At the hearing, Tri-City presented

testimony of the four employees for whom Tri-City sought protection and Tri-City's

security director (Craig Lawyer), who testified as a percipient and expert witness.

Dr. Young testified on his own behalf, but did not call any other witnesses and did not

present any documentary evidence.

       The following summarizes the evidence presented at the section 527.8 hearing.

Under well-settled appellate rules, we summarize the relevant evidence in the light most

favorable to the prevailing party and assume all credibility disputes were resolved in Tri-

City's favor. (USS-Posco Industries v. Edwards (2003) 111 Cal.App.4th 436, 444 (USS-

Posco).)

                                             3
                                Dr. Young's Pre-2010 Actions

         In 2004 or 2005, Dr Young frequently harassed hospital staff members by saying

things that were "derogatory," "intimidating," "bully-like," and "threatening." One of the

employees was extremely distraught "to the point where she was in tears."

         In 2007, Piearson was the medical staff office director, whose responsibilities

included peer review issues. Shortly before Dr. Young's disciplinary proceedings began

that year, Dr. Young came to Piearson's office to review patient records. Dr. Young was

highly agitated and made loud humming noises. As he was leaving the area, Dr. Young

became "overtly threatening," and said words to the effect that he was going "to take out

or take down the medical staff" and that "he knew things about [Piearson] that he bet

[she] wish[ed] he didn't."

         During the peer review hearings, Dr. Young would "very frequently yell at people,

storm out of the room, [and] threaten people." The hearing officer had to instruct

Dr. Young "to stop making racial slurs and swearing." At one point during the hearings,

Dr. Young said he knew where Piearson parked and that she "needed to be careful."

After this remark, the hearing officer stopped the proceedings and requested security

guards to come into the hearing. Dr. Young also later told Piearson, "I know where you

live."

         Piearson interpreted these comments as threats and became highly concerned for

her safety and her staff was "frightened and very fearful." In response to these concerns,

Tri-City installed locks, panic buttons, and surveillance cameras in the medical staff

office. Tri-City also gave Piearson a more secure parking space.

                                               4
       When Dr. Young saw the new security measures, he asked Lawyer about them.

Lawyer told Dr. Young the measures were taken because of him. Dr. Young responded:

"Well, maybe I can just take you outside and kick your ass." Lawyer did not believe this

was "a jovial comment."

       In January 2009, Tri-City hired Anderson as CEO. Shortly after, Anderson was

told by the medical chief of staff that "his [the chief of staff's] life had been threatened

directly by Dr. Young."2 Piearson also told Anderson about similar threats from Dr.

Young.

                       Dr. Young's Conduct at 2010 Board Meetings

       Each of the four protected employees regularly attend Tri-City's monthly Board

meetings held at the Hospital. Anderson and Coulter are Board members; Soskins is Tri-

City's in-house counsel; and Piearson is required to attend many Board meetings to

answer questions. The meetings frequently last between three and six hours.

       Dr. Young had a long history of engaging in frequent outbursts during Board

meetings, saying things such as "that's bullshit" or "no" and would also grunt, try to speak

out of turn, and intimidate. Additionally, Dr. Young appeared to be drunk at many

meetings. He smelled of alcohol; his speech was "a bit slurred"; and "his balance was a

bit off." Dr. Young could not sit still. He would get up, move around, fidget, and change

2     Although this evidence was hearsay, a court has the discretion to consider hearsay
evidence in a section 527.8 proceeding. (Kaiser Foundation Hospitals v. Wilson (2011)
201 Cal.App.4th 550, 558.)
                                               5
seats. Dr. Young would also "rant," claiming conspiracy theories regarding the

revocation of his privileges.

       At the August 2010 board meeting, there was a confrontation between Dr. Young

and CEO Anderson and Board member Coulter. Dr. Young acted in a verbally and

physically threatening manner towards Anderson and Coulter, and security director

Lawyer was concerned for the physical safety of Anderson and Coulter. Lawyer and

several other security officers intervened to protect Anderson and Coulter, and then

escorted Dr. Young out of the meeting. As he was being escorted out, Dr. Young said to

Anderson words to the effect of " 'maybe I need to bring a gun or plant a gun here to get

some respect.' "

       At the next Board meeting in September 2010, Dr. Young approached in-house

counsel Soskins, tapped him on the shoulder, and said he knew Soskins because he had

worked with the "Coppo" law firm (DiCaro, Coppo & Popcke) that had represented Tri-

City in Dr. Young's mandate action. Although Soskins had previously worked for this

law firm, Soskins did not respond directly because he was afraid for his personal safety

based on Dr. Young's prior behavior at Board meetings. Soskins told Dr. Young he did

not want to interact with him, and asked him to "[c]ease and desist." However, during a

break, Dr. Young followed Soskins into the restroom, and began talking loudly to

Soskins and blocked Soskins's path to the sink and to the exit. Soskins was very

concerned for his safety because of Dr. Young's history of erratic behavior and the fact

that there appeared to be "a crazy, drunk person who is blocking me from leaving and

saying things fairly loudly to me." Later during the Board meeting, Dr. Young told

                                             6
Lawyer that Soskins "looks like a skinhead Nazi." At the end of the meeting, Lawyer

"escorted [Dr. Young] off the property."

       At the next Board meeting in early November 2010, Dr. Young again approached

Soskins, touched his arm and began "berating" him. Dr. Young told Soskins that "he was

going to get" him and called Soskins a " 'crypto-Nazi skinhead, bullshit artist, full of shit,

fucking Nazi, fascist.' " Soskins responded by telling Dr. Young not to touch him again

and repeatedly stated "[c]ease and desist." Soskins was very scared and was afraid that

Dr. Young was going to attack him. Dr. Young continued to swear and call him names

until Soskins got Lawyer's attention. When Lawyer approached, Dr. Young walked

away. Thereafter, during a break, Dr. Young moved his chair back a few feet, and glared

at Soskins for the next hour.

                                Security Director's Testimony

       Lawyer testified at the section 527.8 hearing as a percipient witness and a security

expert. Lawyer served as a security officer for the Hospital for about 10 years, and

before that had been a law enforcement officer with the Los Angeles Police Department

for about 20 years. Lawyer regularly attended Board meetings and also knew Dr. Young

when he worked as a physician in the Hospital.

       Lawyer testified that Dr. Young engaged in 'highly aggressive" behavior at Board

meetings and that Dr. Young had substantial "impulse-control" problems. Lawyer said

Dr. Young would repeatedly make inappropriate comments concerning safety issues. For

example, Dr. Young would regularly ask Lawyer: "Are you going to search me tonight?"

He would also frequently bring a bag with him and make comments like "I could have a

                                              7
knife in there." At one Board meeting, Dr. Young told Lawyer, "I could have a KA-BAR

knife," which Lawyer said was a "combat" or "fighting" knife used by Marines.

      Lawyer did not interpret these comments as jokes. Lawyer indicated that the

comments raised concerns about whether Dr. Young was attempting to understand the

search procedures in the event Dr. Young decided to bring a weapon into the Hospital.

      After Dr. Young's privileges were revoked, Lawyer saw a substantial change in

Dr. Young's behavior. Dr. Young previously came to Board meetings professionally

dressed. Now, he looked "disheveled." Based on the "downward trend" in Dr. Young's

personality and appearance and the escalation of his aggressive behavior, Lawyer

considered Dr. Young a potential "security risk." Lawyer explained that Dr. Young's

actions and decline in his personal appearance were indicative of a "cycle of violence" as

it relates to "workplace violence issue[s]." Based on his experience and observations,

Lawyer said that Dr. Young's behavior appeared to be progressive and could potentially

lead to aggression and violence.

      Lawyer opined that Dr. Young presents a safety concern for the four Tri-City

employees seeking protection and that a restraining order is "absolutely" necessary to

protect those employees. Lawyer said he was familiar with the recent shooting at a

Florida school board meeting and was concerned the same thing would happen at a Tri-

City Board meeting.

                                            8
                                 Other Tri-City Evidence

       At the section 527.8 hearing, each of the employees for whom Tri-City was

seeking a protective order testified they were fearful of Dr. Young and concerned he

would commit violent acts against them.

       Anderson said he is "very much" concerned for his own safety and that "in most

every encounter that you have with Dr. Young, he attempts to intimidate you."

Dr. Young would "invade your space," meaning that he would "get closer to you than a

normal person would," and would sometimes raise his voice. Anderson repeatedly told

Dr. Young to back off, but Dr. Young would not comply with these requests.

       Coulter similarly testified that he feared for his safety and was concerned that

Dr. Young might act out violently toward him in future meetings. Coulter said it is "not

possible to walk past Dr. Young without him making some derogatory remarks." Coulter

testified that he felt "harassed" and "threatened" by Dr. Young's conduct.

       Soskins testified that based on Dr. Young's conduct and statements, he was in

substantial fear for his personal safety, and stated: "I'm concerned any time I'm near him.

I'm concerned about him coming to work and shooting the place up. I'm concerned about

him coming to my office, my home . . . I just don't want to interact with him."

       Piearson also testified that she was concerned for her safety when she was

required to attend Board meetings, and was concerned that Dr. Young would follow her

home after the meetings.

       The court also reviewed the declaration of Richard Crooks, a security officer

responsible for maintaining a secure environment in the Board meeting room. Crooks

                                             9
has 30 years experience in public and private law enforcement and is a former detective

with the Oceanside Police Department. Crooks stated that during the eight months of Dr.

Young's disciplinary proceedings, Dr. Young engaged in increasingly erratic and

outlandish behavior. Dr. Young would yell and scream during and after the proceedings.

Crooks also said Dr. Young's conduct at the Board meetings was "very disruptive" and

"explosive." He further stated: "I have been profiling security threats in crowds for the

entirety of my 30-year career. As such, I have the expertise to easily assess and identify

individuals who pose security threats. Every time I see Dr. Young, red flags are

immediately raised. In my opinion, he is a security threat who compromises the safety of

the hospital board meetings. As a result of my knowledge of Dr. Young's past harassing

and threatening conduct toward board members and hospital staff, I am very concerned

Dr. Young will act out violently toward a board member, and especially a Tri-City

Medical Center staff member, without warning."

                      Dr. Young's Conduct at Section 527.8 Hearing

       At the section 527.8 hearing, Dr. Young (who appeared in propria persona)

frequently failed to comply with the court's directions. Additionally, an incident occurred

during a recess that impacted the court's evaluation of the issues. Shortly after Anderson

finished his testimony, the court took a break. Coulter was standing outside waiting to

testify, and Coulter saw Dr. Young "look[] at [Anderson] and [Dr. Young] smacked

. . . his fist into his hand." When Coulter began his testimony, Tri-City's counsel asked

Coulter about this incident and asked him to demonstrate how "hard" Dr. Young

slammed his fist into his hand. Coulter complied. Although the record does not show the

                                            10
precise nature of this action, it is clear from the court's remarks that Coulter's

demonstration of Dr. Young's action was accompanied by significant force.

                                    Dr. Young's Defense

       Dr. Young did not present any witnesses or documentary evidence, and instead

relied solely on his own testimony. He testified in narrative form for more than one hour.

The following summarizes the relevant portions of his testimony.

       Dr. Young testified that the declarations filed by each of the four employees were

"almost completely false." Dr. Young said he had never hit anybody with his fists since

first grade and did not own a gun or a KA-BAR knife, though he said, "I know lots of

people who do," including members of his own family. He said that he is a good father

to four children and has been married for a lengthy time and does not drink alcohol.

       With respect to the August 2010 incident involving Anderson and Coulter,

Dr. Young said the incident arose from his attempts to defend another Board member and

claimed that he was legally entitled to engage in the confrontational conduct. He said his

verbal dispute with Coulter lasted "no longer than maybe a minute and a half."

Dr. Young testified that Anderson is a "legal thug" who is unqualified for the CEO

position and that Anderson had made defamatory statements against him. Dr. Young said

he had only "two face-to-face contacts" with Anderson.

       Dr. Young did not specifically deny making the various threatening statements to

Piearson, but claimed that Piearson "is involved up to her eyeballs in fraud." With regard

to his interaction with Soskins, Dr. Young denied any threatening behavior in the

restroom. He did, however, acknowledge continuing to confront Soskins after he was

                                              11
asked to "[c]ease and desist" and telling him "the guys that you are working with are

crypto-Nazi skinheads."

       Other than these brief explanations, Dr. Young devoted most of his testimony to

discussing the charges against him leading to the termination of his medical staff

privileges, and in challenging the grounds for those charges. Dr. Young acknowledged

that he can be "intimidating" and has engaged in "disruptive" behavior, but suggested his

conduct was appropriate because of the peer review proceedings and the fact that

"hospitals are political places."

                              Court's Conclusions and Orders

       After considering the parties' evidence and argument, the court found a sufficient

basis to issue the three-year restraining orders. The court noted that although many of the

allegations were "dated," the evidence showed a "consistent pattern of over-the-top

behavior," by Dr. Young that created "real safety concern[s]" for the four employees.

The court emphasized the uncontroverted evidence that Dr. Young repeatedly discussed

weapons with the security officers and the "fist-pumping" incident during the hearing.

       But the court recognized that Dr. Young had constitutional rights to participate at

public Board meetings and expressed concern that a blanket stay-away order would

violate these rights. The court thus asked the parties to provide supplemental briefing on

the manner in which the court could impose protective orders with reasonable limitations

"so [Dr. Young] could attend these meetings" held at the Hospital.

       Tri-City submitted a memorandum recommending that the court provide Dr.

Young the opportunity to participate in the Board meetings "via speaker phone," which

                                            12
would allow him to hear the proceedings and speak during the public comment period

after emailing a request. Tri-City asserted that under these procedures, "Dr. Young can

follow the [Board] proceedings in real time and participate as desired." Tri-City said it

"has this technology already in place and therefore this solution would be simple to

implement." Tri-City claimed the restraining orders could not be effectively enforced if

Dr. Young personally attends Board meetings because of the relatively small size of the

Board meeting room, the length of the meetings, and the various entrance and exit times

of the affected employees and Dr. Young.

       Dr. Young's supplemental briefing consisted primarily of his arguments as to why

the court should not grant Tri-City's requested protective orders. He also urged the court

to allow him to personally attend Board meetings after security officers check him for

weapons, and "smell his breath and make him walk a line."

       The court's final order stated in relevant part:

          "[Dr. Young] has the right to appropriately participate at [Tri-City's]
          public [Board] meetings . . . and had done so on a regular and
          consistent basis. [¶] However, [this court has granted a restraining
          order] . . . based upon [Dr. Young's] conduct toward each of the
          [four employees]. Said conduct included, but was not limited to,
          personal touching, stalking around the hearing room, confrontations
          in the restrooms, and discussions as having/obtaining weapons. This
          conduct generally resulted in the calling of hospital security and [Dr.
          Young] being escorted off the hospital premises.

          "Additionally, in issuing the orders, the court had taken into
          consideration [Dr. Young's] conduct during the hearing which was
          concerning. Said conduct included, but was not limited to, his
          difficulty in complying with the court's instructions and guidance.

          "[Tri-City has] . . . provided credible evidence as to the escalation of
          [Dr. Young's] conduct during these meetings as well as his 'fist

                                              13
          pounding' exhibited to [the employees] while exiting the courtroom
          during one of the breaks.

          "Based on the above, it is not appropriate for [Dr. Young] to be
          personally present at Tri-City Hospital during the Board . . .
          meetings.

          "[Tri-City's] suggestion as to the utilization of an electronic means
          including, but not limited to, the use of a speaker phone is well
          founded, appropriate, and would allow respondent to participate in
          the meetings on a real time basis. If he chooses to utilize this
          procedure, he must abide by the current procedures and rules and
          provide notice to the [Board] through email.

          "[Dr. Young] shall not personally be present at the . . . Hospital
          except for an emergency basis . . . . He is to provide written notice
          to counsel through e-mail at least ten days prior to the [Board]
          meeting at which time counsel shall provide the dial-in number
          which respondent may utilize in his participation in the [Board]
          meeting. Counsel shall provide to [Dr. Young] within ten days of
          the date of this correspondence the e-mail address which [he] may
          utilize in providing the notice as set forth above. . . ."

      The court then issued three-year restraining orders, which included personal

conduct orders, weapons restrictions, and orders requiring Dr. Young to stay 100 yards

from each of the four employees (and their homes) and from the Hospital (except for

emergency purposes). Each order also details specific procedures identifying the manner

in which Dr. Young may participate in Board meetings through a two-way speaker

phone, which includes his right to speak during the public comment period and listen to

each entire Board meeting.

                                            14
                                         DISCUSSION

                           I. Generally Applicable Legal Principles

          Section 527.8 "authoriz[es] any employer to pursue . . . an injunction on behalf of

its employees to prevent threats or acts of violence by either another employee or third

person." (Scripps Health v. Marin (1999) 72 Cal.App.4th 324, 333.) Section 527.8 was

"intended to enable employers to seek the same remedy for its employees as section

527.6 provides for natural persons." (Id. at pp. 333-334.) "The express intent of the

author of the legislation was to address the growing phenomenon in California of

workplace violence by providing employers with injunctive relief so as to prevent such

acts of workplace violence." (Id. at p. 334; accord Huntingdon Life Sciences, Inc. v. Stop

Huntingdon Animal Cruelty USA, Inc. (2005) 129 Cal.App.4th 1228, 1258 (Huntingdon

Life).)

          Specifically, section 527.8 states: "Any employer, whose employee has suffered

unlawful violence or a credible threat of violence from any individual, that can

reasonably be construed to be carried out or to have been carried out at the workplace,

may seek a temporary restraining order and an injunction on behalf of the employee and,

at the discretion of the court, any number of other employees at the workplace . . . ."

(§ 527.8, subd. (a).) If there is good cause to grant the petition, the court must hold a

hearing and "receive any testimony that is relevant and may make an independent

inquiry." (§ 527.8, subd. (j); see 527.8, subd. (h).) "If the judge finds by clear and

convincing evidence that the [defendant] engaged in unlawful violence or made a

credible threat of violence, an injunction shall issue prohibiting further unlawful violence

                                               15
or threats of violence." (§ 527.8, subd. (j).) A section 527.8 protective order must be

limited to a three-year period and cannot be issued if it "prohibit[s] speech or other

activities that are constitutionally protected . . . ." (§ 527.8, subds. (c), (k)(1).)

       A trial court's "decision to grant a permanent injunction rests within its sound

discretion and will not be disturbed on appeal absent a showing of a clear abuse of

discretion." (Shapiro v. San Diego City Council (2002) 96 Cal.App.4th 904, 912.) When

the trial court resolves disputed factual issues, and draws inferences from the presented

facts, an appellate court reviews the factual findings under a substantial evidence

standard. (Ibid.; USS-Posco, supra, 111 Cal.App.4th at p. 444.)

                          II. Sufficiency of the Evidence Challenge

       Dr. Young contends there was insufficient evidence to support the court's findings

that Tri-City met its burden to show he committed violence or made a credible threat of

violence supporting the issuance of a section 527.8 restraining order.

       Before issuing a protective order under section 527.8, a court must find by clear

and convincing evidence the defendant has committed violence or has made a "credible

threat of violence." (§ 527.8, subd. (j).) A "[c]redible threat of violence" is a knowing

and willful statement or course of conduct that would place a reasonable person in fear

for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family, and that serves no

legitimate purpose. (§ 527.8, subd. (b)(2).) " 'Course of conduct' is a pattern of conduct

composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity

of purpose, including following or stalking an employee to or from the place of work;

entering the workplace; following an employee during the hours of employment; making

                                                16
telephone calls to an employee; or sending correspondence to an employee . . . ."

(§ 527.8, subd. (b)(1).)

        In determining whether substantial evidence supports a section 527.8 finding, we

must "consider all of the evidence in the light most favorable to the prevailing party,

giving it the benefit of every reasonable inference, and resolving conflicts in support of

the judgment." (Howard v. Owens Corning (1999) 72 Cal.App.4th 621, 630; see USS-

Posco, supra, 111 Cal.App.4th at p. 444.) "It is not our task to weigh conflicts and

disputes in the evidence; that is the province of the trier of fact. Our authority begins and

ends with a determination as to whether, on the entire record, there is any substantial

evidence, contradicted or uncontradicted, in support of the judgment." (Howard, supra,

72 Cal.App.4th at pp. 630-631.) If substantial evidence is present, "no matter how slight

it may appear in comparison with the contradictory evidence, the judgment must be

upheld. As a general rule, therefore, we will look only at the evidence and reasonable

inferences supporting the successful party, and disregard the contrary showing." (Id. at p.

631.)

        Under these legal principles, we conclude the court's findings were supported.

The record contains evidence showing Dr. Young made numerous statements that can be

reasonably interpreted as a knowing or willful statement of threatened violent conduct,

and that he engaged in a pattern of conduct that can be reasonably interpreted as

reflecting an intent to communicate these threats to the employees.

        The evidence showed that Dr. Young was extremely angry and upset about the

revocation of his medical privileges at the Hospital, and that he blamed various Tri-City

                                             17
employees about this incident, including (in various ways) the four employees for whom

Tri-City was seeking protection. Additionally, Dr. Young displayed impulse control

problems, "explosive" behavior, and an increasing inability to contain his anger at recent

Board meetings. In particular he had made various statements about bringing weapons to

the Hospital and claimed to know people who own weapons.

       With respect to Soskins, Dr. Young invaded his personal space and stared at

Soskins in the Board meeting room, followed him into the restroom, physically touched

Soskins, berated him, and told him "he was going to get him." Soskins's only prior

contact with Dr. Young was that Soskins was a former attorney for the law firm that

represented Tri-City in Dr. Young's mandate action. Based on Dr. Young's conduct,

Soskins was extremely fearful of Dr. Young and was concerned about Young committing

a violent act against him.

       With respect to Piearson, Dr. Young had a long history of harassing conduct and

had made comments suggesting that he knew where Piearson lived, where she parked,

and the color of her car. Piearson was required to attend Board meetings that were also

attended by Dr. Young and expressed substantial concern for her personal safety.

       With respect to Anderson and Coulter, at an August 2010 board meeting,

Dr. Young acted in a threatening manner (both verbally and physically) towards both

Board members, and during the confrontation said something to the effect of "Maybe I'll

bring a gun." Both testified they were highly concerned for their physical safety when

Dr. Young was in proximity.

                                            18
       Security director Lawyer, who testified as an expert, said that he was substantially

concerned Dr. Young would act out in a violent way toward the four employees. He

opined that Dr. Young's actions fit within the paradigm of a perpetrator of workplace

violence, including Dr. Young's moving into people's safety zones, aggressive posturing,

verbal intimidation, hostility, impulse control issues, decline in personal appearance, and

repeated reference to weapons.

       Additionally, the evidence at the hearing showed that Dr. Young was not willing

to follow directions or listen to authority, and that Dr. Young continued to display

uncontrolled anger, including forcefully hitting his fist into his hand when he passed

Anderson during a break.

       Based on all of the evidence, the court found Dr. Young's course of conduct and

statements constituted threats of violence towards the four employees and these threats

placed the employees in reasonable fear of their safety. The court specifically noted that

Dr. Young presented "real safety concern issues," because of his repeated references to

knives and other weapons and emphasized the continued manifestations of Dr. Young's

inability to control his anger. Substantial evidence supported the court's findings.

       In his appellate briefs, Dr. Young discusses facts supporting a conclusion that his

statements did not constitute threats of physical violence and instead he was merely

intending to communicate his disregard for the actions, ethics, morals, and honesty of the

various Hospital employees. For example, Dr. Young states that his "alleged rant" to

Soskins during a Board meeting was not a threat of physical violence and instead he was

merely telling Soskins "that he was a liar who was going to be caught in his lies."

                                             19
However, the trial court rejected this interpretation of the facts, and concluded that Dr.

Young's statements and actions reflected credible threats of violence. In challenging this

conclusion, Dr. Young is essentially requesting that we reweigh the evidence and make

different inferences than did the trial court. Under well-settled appellate principles, we

have no authority to do so. (See Jessup Farms v. Baldwin (1983) 33 Cal.3d 639, 660; In

re H. G. (2006) 146 Cal.App.4th 1, 13.) We cannot substitute our deductions for those of

the trial court if they are reasonable and supported by substantial evidence. (Ibid.) The

trial court's conclusions were reasonable and were supported by substantial evidence.

       Relying on four decisions in which section 527.8 injunctions were upheld, Dr.

Young argues that his conduct did not arise to the level of violent conduct or threats of

violent conduct. (City of San Jose v. Garbett (2010) 190 Cal.App.4th 526; USS-Posco,

supra, 111 Cal.App.4th 436; Huntingdon Life, supra, 129 Cal.App.4th 1228; City of Palo

Alto v. Service Employees International Union (1999) 77 Cal.App.4th 327.) There is

nothing in any of those decisions suggesting the trial court erred in ordering the

injunctions against Dr. Young.

       To the contrary, these decisions support the court's conclusions in this case. For

example, in USS-Posco, the appellant argued that he was well known as a " 'trash talker' "

and should not be taken seriously, especially because he had no history of violent

conduct. (USS-Posco, supra, 11 Cal.App.4th at pp. 441, 444-445.) The court rejected

this argument based on evidence showing the appellant repeatedly threatened to bring a

gun into work and shoot people. (Id. at pp. 444-445.) Although Dr. Young did not

directly threaten to shoot anyone, he did repeatedly discuss bringing weapons into the

                                             20
Hospital and there was evidence that he had previously threatened the lives of various

Hospital officials.

       Dr. Young contends the court erred in relying on the pre-2010 events. He asserts

that his prior statements and conduct were insufficient to establish a current threat

because they were "isolated remarks" and "remote in time." However, the court

specifically recognized that some of the events were "dated," but found they showed a

"consistent pattern" of inappropriate threatening behavior that had escalated during the

past year. The court's conclusion was reasonable. The pre-2010 events were relevant to

explain Dr. Young's current conduct and the fact that he had a long-standing resentment

and inability to control his anger against Hospital officials. (See Huntingdon Life, supra,

129 Cal.App.4th at p. 1250 [" 'context is critical in a true threats case and history can give

meaning to the medium' "].)

       In a related argument Dr. Young contends the protective order regarding Piearson

was unwarranted because there was no specific evidence that Dr. Young had contact with

Piearson after his privileges were terminated in 2009. However, Piearson testified that in

her current position she was required to attend many Board meetings and she remained

frightened of Dr. Young based on his increasingly aggressive conduct at the meetings and

his prior statements that he knew where she parked and lived. The court—which had the

full opportunity to observe Dr. Young's demeanor and consider Dr. Young's statements

under the totality of the circumstances—found Dr. Young's statements continued to

reflect a current threat to Piearson. An employer subjected to generalized threats of

workplace violence may obtain relief under section 527.8 on behalf of an employee who

                                             21
is a logical target of the threats. (USS-Posco, supra, 111 Cal.App.4th at p. 436.) The

court did not abuse its discretion in concluding Piearson remained a potentially targeted

employee.

       Dr. Young also devotes large portions of his brief to discussing the lack of

evidence showing he had actually committed violent acts, i.e., an assault, battery, or

stalking. (§ 527.8, subd. (b)(7).) However, section 527.8 permits a court to issue a

restraining order based on evidence the defendant "engaged in unlawful violence or made

a credible threat of violence." (§ 527.8, subd. (j), italics added.) Because there was

substantial evidence to support the court's finding that Dr. Young made credible threats

of violence, we need not address the issue whether Dr. Young had in fact engaged in

unlawful violence within the meaning of section 527.8, subdivision (b)(7).

       Dr. Young also argues there was no evidence that he made a credible threat "with

the intent to place [a] person in reasonable fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or

her immediate family" or that he had the "apparent ability to carry out the threat."

However, as this court has stated, " '[i]t is not necessary that the defendant intend to, or

be able to carry out his threat; the only intent requirement for a true threat is that the

defendant intentionally or knowingly communicate the threat.' " (Huntingdon Life,

supra, 129 Cal.App.4th at p. 1256 [upholding denial of anti-SLAPP motion because

plaintiff had a probability of prevailing on lawsuit seeking injunction under sections

527.6 and 527.8]; accord City of San Jose v. Garbett, supra, 190 Cal.App.4th at p. 539

["[T]he Legislature unequivocally dispensed with the requirement [in section 527.8] that

the defendant intend to cause the person to believe that he or she had been threatened

                                              22
with death or serious injury. It currently requires only a statement made knowingly and

willfully, which would place a reasonable person in fear for his or her safety."].)

       We also reject Dr. Young's argument that the court inappropriately based its

factual conclusions on Dr. Young's failure to comply with the court's procedural rules

and/or the "fist-pumping" incident. This evidence was relevant to the issue of whether

Dr. Young was willing and able to control his emotions in structured situations.

Moreover, the record shows the court did not rely solely on these facts to reach its

conclusions and instead the court considered all of the testimony and documentary

evidence before issuing the protective orders.

       Substantial evidence supported the court's factual findings that Dr. Young made

credible threats of violence and thus the four employees were in need of protection.

                           III. Court Applied Correct Standards

       Dr. Young next contends the court erred by applying incorrect legal standards.

Specifically, Dr. Young argues the court erred because it failed to apply the "clear and

convincing" proof standard and issued the injunctions solely to "stop harassment" rather

than to prevent "violence." These arguments are without merit.

       With respect to the "clear and convincing" proof standard, the court did not

expressly state these words when explaining its findings, but the record shows the court

was aware Tri-City was seeking a protective order under section 527.8, which expressly

requires "clear and convincing" proof of violence or threats of violence. (§ 527.8, subd.

(j).) Absent any indication to the contrary, we are required to presume that a judicial

officer has " ' "regularly performed" ' " its duties and " 'applied the correct standard of

                                              23
proof.' " (Saraswati v. County of San Diego (2011) 202 Cal.App.4th 917, 929; see

Consaul v. City of San Diego (1992) 6 Cal.App.4th 1781, 1792.)

       Dr. Young argues that the court did not apply the correct proof burden because in

its minute order the court said that "credible evidence" established Dr. Young's

"escalation" of improper conduct during Board meetings. This statement does not

reasonably reflect that the court misunderstood or misapplied the proof burden. A

reference to the credibility of evidence concerns whether the court found the evidence

believable or trustworthy, not the particular proof burden that it employed to reach its

determinations.

       For similar reasons, we reject Dr. Young's argument that the court erroneously

believed section 527.8 protective orders could be issued based solely on harassing

conduct without evidence of violence or threatened violence. The central focus of the

section 527.8 hearing was on the issue whether Dr. Young presented a threat of physical

violence to the four employees. Each of the four employees testified about implied or

express threats of violence, and each of these employees expressed substantial concern

for their physical safety when around Dr. Young. Consistent with this evidence, at the

outset of his closing argument, Tri-City's counsel stated that "either unlawful violence or

a credible threat of violence" is required for the court to grant the petition and discussed

the meaning of a "credible threat of violence" and "a course of conduct." In reaching its

conclusions, the court stated it had "real safety concern issues" with Dr. Young's conduct,

including his repeated references to weapons and the repeated need for security to escort

him off the premises. In its final order, the court also highlighted the evidence showing

                                             24
that Dr. Young engaged in physically threatening conduct involving "personal touching,

stalking around the hearing room, confrontations in the restrooms, and discussions as

having/obtaining weapons." The court also repeatedly referred to Dr. Young's "fist

pounding" in explaining its decision to issue the protective order.

       Reviewing the entire record, we are satisfied the court understood that Tri-City

was required to prove Dr. Young engaged in unlawful violence or made a credible threat

of violence, and that mere harassment without violence or a threat of violence was

insufficient to satisfy this standard.

   IV. Dr. Young's Contention that Tri-City Sought Injunctions for Improper Purposes

       Dr. Young contends the protective orders must be vacated because Tri-City sought

the injunctions merely to "stifle" his free speech rights. He argues, for example, that

"what [Tri-City] characterized as [his] violent behavior was actually his advocacy in

favor of [another Board member]." However, the court rejected these arguments, and

found Dr. Young's statements and conduct constituted credible threats of violence, and

did not reflect merely Dr. Young's attempts to fairly advocate for his viewpoints. As

discussed above, the record supports the court's conclusion.

       Dr. Young alternatively argues the injunction was improper because Tri-City

sought the injunction merely to get "a leg up in Dr. Young's contemporaneous mandate

action against it." In support, he discusses actions taken by Tri-City in the mandate

proceedings. However, the court rejected Dr. Young's arguments that Tri-City brought

the section 527.8 petitions merely to influence the court's decision in the mandate action.

The court had ample evidentiary grounds for reaching this conclusion. The court also

                                             25
cautioned Tri-City not to use its findings in proving its claims in the mandate

proceedings. Even assuming Tri-City failed to comply with this admonition, this action

does not show the court erred in issuing the section 527.8 restraining orders.

                                 V. First Amendment Rights

       Dr. Young also contends the court's protective orders violated his First

Amendment rights because he was not permitted to be personally present at public Board

meetings.

       Section 527.8 states that a court is not "permit[ted] . . . to issue [an] injunction

prohibiting speech or other activities that are constitutionally protected . . . ." (§ 527.8,

subd. (c).) However, "[t]he right to free speech is not absolute or unlimited." (City of

San Jose v. Garbett, supra, 190 Cal.App.4th at p. 536.) " '[O]nce a court has found that

a specific pattern of speech is unlawful, an injunctive order prohibiting the repetition,

perpetuation, or continuation of that practice is not a prohibited 'prior restraint' of

speech.' " (Id. at p. 537.) The courts have thus held that "if the elements of section 527.8

are met by the expression of a credible threat of violence toward an employee, then that

speech is not constitutionally protected and an injunction is appropriate." (Ibid.)

       Under the court's order, Dr. Young retains the full opportunity to speak to the

Board under the established public comment period and to listen to entire Board meetings

through a telephone system. Although Dr. Young's right to communicate through

gestures or body language, assert comments outside the established comment period,

and/or see the facial expressions of the Board members have been limited, these

limitations are fully justified by the need to protect the four employees from Dr. Young's

                                              26
credible threats of violence. In light of his conduct, the fact that Dr. Young cannot attend

those meetings in person does not establish a constitutional violation.

                                      DISPOSITION

       Affirmed. Appellant to bear respondent's costs on appeal.

                                                                               HALLER, J.

WE CONCUR:

MCCONNELL, P. J.

MCDONALD, J.

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