Court Opinion

ID: 2641445
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2013-11-07 01:02:41.013859+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T10:38:14.571846
License: Public Domain

Filed 11/6/13 Hudack v. Siggard 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                     NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS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 This opinion has not been certified for
                               publication or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.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

MARIANNE S. HUDACK et al.,

      Plaintiffs, Cross-defendants and                                    E052779
Appellants,
                                                                          (Super.Ct.No. RIC450529)
v.

WAYNE SIGGARD,

      Defendant, Cross-complainant and
Respondent;

MONTELEONE CONTRACTORS, INC.
et al.,

         Defendants and Respondents.

MARIANNE S. HUDACK et al.,

         Plaintiffs and Appellants,                                       E053129

v.                                                                        ORDER MODIFYING
                                                                          OPINION AND DENYING
WAYNE SIGGARD et al.,                                                     PETITION FOR REHEARING

         Defendants and Respondents.                                      [NO CHANGE IN JUDGMENT]

                                                              1
       The petition for rehearing is denied. The opinion filed in this matter on October

17, 2013, is modified as follows:

       In the first paragraph on page 11 of the opinion, the second complete sentence

reads: “On approximately March 25, Siggard submitted his grading permit and maps of

his grading plans to the Association.”

       The sentence is modified to read as follows:

       “On approximately March 25, Siggard submitted his agricultural exemption and

maps of his grading plans to the Association.”

       Except for this modification, the opinion remains unchanged. The modification

does not affect a change in the judgment.

       NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS

                                                      MILLER
                                                                                        J.

We concur:

RICHLI
                       Acting P. J.

CODRINGTON
                                    J.

                                            2
Filed 10/17/13 (unmodified version)

                     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

MARIANNE S. HUDACK et al.,

      Plaintiffs, Cross-defendants and                                    E052779
Appellants,
                                                                          (Super.Ct.No. RIC450529)
v.

WAYNE SIGGARD,

      Defendant, Cross-complainant and
Respondent;

MONTELEONE CONTRACTORS, INC.
et al.,

         Defendants and Respondents.

MARIANNE S. HUDACK et al.,

         Plaintiffs and Appellants,                                       E053129

v.

WAYNE SIGGARD et al.,                                                     OPINION

         Defendants and Respondents.

                                                              1
       APPEAL from the Superior Court of Riverside County. Dallas Holmes (retired

judge of the Riverside Super. Ct. assigned by the Chief Justice pursuant to art. VI, § 6 of

the Cal. Const.), Thomas H. Cahraman and Bernard Schwartz, Judges. Affirmed.

       Buchalter Nemer, Robert M. Dato; Circuit, McKellogg, Kinney & Ross and

Robert Keith McKellogg for Plaintiffs, Cross-defendants and Appellants Marianne S.

Hudack, Larry J. Hudack and Larry J. and Marianne S. Hudack Trust UTD July 3, 1997.

       The Rossell Law Firm, Craig N. Rossell; The Ehrlich Law Firm and Jeffrey Isaac

Ehrlich for Defendant, Cross-complainant and Respondent Wayne Siggard.

       The Rossell Law Firm and Craig N. Rossell for Defendants and Respondents

Monteleone Contractors, Inc. and Ryan Monteleone.

       Pamela J. Walls, County Counsel and Lisa A. Traczyk, Deputy County Counsel

for Defendant and Respondent County of Riverside.

       Kramer, Deboer, Endelicato & Keane, Jeffrey S. Kramer, Sandra Calin and

Elizabeth D. Beckman for Defendant and Respondent La Cresta Property Owners

Association.

                                              I.

                                    INTRODUCTION

       This case arises from a dispute between neighbors. Wayne Siggard (Siggard)

caused land he owned to be graded. Siggard’s neighbors, Marianne Hudack (Marianne)

and Larry Hudack (Larry)1 (collectively “the Hudacks”), found the grading to be

       1   We use first names for clarity and ease of reference; no disrespect is intended.

                                              2
problematic. In a fifth amended complaint, the Hudacks sued (1) Siggard;

(2) Monteleone Contractors, Inc. (Contractor); (3) Ryan Monteleone, an individual

doing business as Monteleone Excavating (Monteleone); (4) La Cresta Property Owners

Association (the Association); (5) Sergio Ochoa; and (6) Laura Ochoa. The causes of

action concerned (1) a violation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);

(2) trespass; (3) encroachment; (4) nuisance per se; (5) private nuisance; (6) negligence;

(7) breach of fiduciary duty; (8) negligent misrepresentation; (9) fraud and deceit; (10) a

request for declaratory relief; (11) a request for injunctive relief; and (12) a request for

cancellation of written instruments.

       Siggard filed a cross-complaint against (1) Marianne; (2) Larry; (3) the Larry J.

and Marianne S. Hudack Trust (the Trust); (4) the County of Riverside (the County);

and (5) the County of Riverside Planning Department. The cross-complaint included

causes of action for (1) a CEQA violation; (2) trespass; (3) encroachment; (4) nuisance;

(5) civil conspiracy to defraud; (6) defamation, slander, and libel; (7) interference with a

prospective economic advantage; (8) slander of title; and (9) intentional infliction of

emotional distress.

       In response to the cross-complaint, the Hudacks filed an anti-SLAPP motion.

(Code Civ. Proc., § 425.16.) Some of Siggard’s causes of actions were stricken as a

result of the trial court’s anti-SLAPP ruling. Ultimately, a jury found against the

Hudacks on their causes of action. The jury found in favor of Siggard on his private

nuisance claim against the Hudacks. The jury awarded Siggard $437,200 in economic

damages and $167,500 in punitive damages.

                                              3
       The Hudacks raise eight issues on appeal. The Hudacks’ first issue concerns

Siggard’s lawsuit against the Hudacks. The Hudacks contend substantial evidence does

not support the jury’s private nuisance verdict in favor of Siggard. The second and third

contentions concern the Hudacks’ lawsuit against Siggard and Contractor. The second

contention is the judgment on the Hudacks’ private nuisance claims against Siggard and

Contractor should be reversed because the jury was improperly permitted to consider

whether Siggard’s grading violated a County ordinance. The third contention is the trial

court erred by denying the Hudacks’ motion for new trial because there was “a fatal

inconsistency” between the jury instructions and special verdict form concerning private

nuisance. The fourth issue on appeal concerns a trial court writ of mandate the Hudacks

sought against the County. The Hudacks assert the trial court erred by concluding the

County had complied with the writ.

       The Hudacks’ fifth through eighth causes of action concern their lawsuit against

the Association. The Hudacks’ fifth contention is the trial court erred by granting the

Association’s demurrer on the breach of contract cause of action. The sixth contention

is the trial court erred by granting the Association’s demurrer on the breach of fiduciary

duty cause of action. The seventh contention is the trial court prejudicially

misinterpreted the trial court’s prior summary adjudication ruling. The eighth

contention is the jury instruction concerning the Association’s duties to property owners

was misleading. We affirm the judgments.

                                            4
                                            II.

       THE HUDACKS, SIGGARD, CONTRACTOR AND THE COUNTY

       In this section of the opinion, we address the issues pertaining to the Hudacks,

Siggard, Contractor, and the County.

                       FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

       A.     Siggard and Hudack Property Purchases

       Rancho La Cresta (La Cresta) is a residential community located in an

unincorporated area of Riverside County near Murrieta and Temecula. La Cresta has a

minimum parcel size of five acres, and consists of 59 parcels. In 2000, La Cresta

consisted of a large amount of open space with trees, valleys, and seasonal streams;

approximately 60 percent of the home sites in the community were vacant, i.e., they had

not been built upon.

       Siggard builds luxury custom homes. Siggard is licensed as an attorney,

contractor, and real estate broker. In April 2000, Siggard purchased a 10-acre parcel in

the La Cresta community. Siggard’s parcel was crossed by a stream known as Bear

Creek. Siggard’s parcel was undeveloped at the time he purchased it, with the

exception of two residential pads on the property and utilities at the street. The

residential pads on the property were not certified by the County to be built upon. In

order to build on the pads, a person would need to have obtained a grading permit from

the County, performed grading work, and then have the work approved by the County.

       Larry worked as an engineer, an investment banker involved in the area of real

estate partnerships, and a real estate appraiser. In 2000, the Hudacks were looking for a

                                             5
retirement home and discovered the La Cresta community. The Hudacks appreciated

the open space provided by La Cresta; Larry planned to grow produce, such as

avocados, on his property. In August 2000, the Trust purchased two adjoining parcels

in La Cresta. The Hudacks’ property was next to Siggard’s property. The Hudacks

received the La Cresta restrictions, covenants, and bylaws when the property was

purchased.

       One of the Association’s bylaws provided: “No building, garage, patio,

outbuilding, fence or other structure shall be constructed, erected, altered, remodeled,

placed, maintained or be permitted to remain on said Tract, or any portion thereof,

unless and until three complete sets of plans and specifications therefor, including

finished grading plans, plot plan showing location of such structure on the building site,

floor and roof plan, exterior elevations, sections and salient exterior details and color

scheme, including the type and location of hedges, walls and fences, shall have been

submitted to and approved in writing by any two (2) members of the ‘Architectural

Committee’ which shall be composed of not more than three (3) members.”

       B.     SIGGARD’S 2001 GRADING WORK

       Siggard’s property was crossed by dirt roads that were “fairly steep” and had

become rutted from erosion. In June 2001, Siggard listed his parcel for sale at a price of

$359,000. Also in 2001, Siggard used a skip loader to scrape the roads flat—removing

the ruts caused by water on the roads. Siggard also scraped the two pads to prevent

weeds from growing on them. Siggard did not seek approval from the Association or a

permit from the County to grade his property because he believed approval and a permit

                                             6
were only required for building a structure—approval was not needed for simply

“moving dirt.” Larry and two other homeowners filed complaints against Siggard with

the Association. Larry complained Siggard was grading without a permit, building

residential pads, creating roads, and affecting a stream. Complaints were also filed with

the County.

       In July 2001, Siggard received a “notice of non-compliance” from the County for

performing grading work without the necessary permits. As a result, Siggard attended a

series of administrative hearings. Siggard negotiated with the County to remove an

“Arizona crossing” from Bear Creek that was on the property when Siggard purchased

it. An “Arizona crossing” is several pipes with dirt over the pipes. There were no

permits for the Arizona crossing. As part of that negotiation, the County released the

“notice of non-compliance,” effectively dismissing the citation.

       In August 2001, the Association sent Siggard a letter reflecting that it concluded

he had not committed any violations because he was “not grading in preparation to build

a structure.” In that letter, the Association cautioned Siggard that he could potentially

violate the covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) concerning drainage if he

performed erosion control work. Larry also filed a complaint with the Department of

Fish and Game concerning Siggard’s grading work. Siggard received a citation from

the Department of Fish and Game. Siggard could not recall if he received any offers to

purchase the property in 2001.

                                             7
       C.     SIGGARD’S ATTEMPTS TO SELL HIS PROPERTY IN 2002 AND

              2003

       In late 2002, Siggard prepared plans and a grading application for his property.

Siggard submitted his plans to the County. In January 2003, the County responded with

a document entitled, “Plan Check Corrections from the Building and Safety

Department,” which reflected issues the County thought Siggard should be prepared to

address during the project such as (1) excessive grading, (2) grading and drainage

crossing Bear Creek, and (3) obtaining clearance from the Army Corps of Engineers and

Department of Fish and Wildlife for work being done near Bear Creek. To address the

building department’s concerns, Siggard obtained a “biochemical consulting report,”

but then decided to pursue selling the property rather than obtaining the grading permit.

Thus, the permit process went “dormant,” and the County refunded Siggard’s

application fees. Siggard did not choose to sell the property because of issues with the

County, he decided to sell because he needed the money at that time.

       In March 2003, Siggard submitted plans to the Association to grade the property

and construct a front wall, gate, and bridge. The Association approved the bridge and

grading portions of the application, but denied the wall and gate plans. Siggard

obtained the approvals in order to help sell the lot. Siggard thought the property would

be more attractive if it came with some construction approvals.

       Also in March 2003, Siggard approached Larry to determine if Larry was

interested in purchasing Siggard’s property. Siggard asked Larry for $325,000.

According to Siggard, Larry immediately agreed to purchase the property. According to

                                            8
Hudack, he asked for permission to “walk the property and look it over.” Siggard gave

Larry the engineering plans, “bio consulting plan,” the building and safety department’s

“Plan Check Corrections,” a purchase agreement, and escrow instructions.

       In April 2003, Larry sent Siggard a letter with various questions and concerns

about Siggard’s property. For example, Larry wanted the property lines of the lot to be

clearly identified. Larry closed the letter by writing, “Accordingly, I request that we

agree that the price of the land to be purchased shall be $200,000 and that the value of

the plans and permit shall be assigned a value of $125,000.”

       Siggard tried to respond to Larry’s questions and concerns. For example,

Siggard hired a surveyor to check the property lines. After Siggard failed to hear from

Larry for a month, Siggard called Larry and asked, “‘Well, are you going to buy this or

are you not?’” Larry responded to Siggard via letter. In the letter, Larry questioned

Siggard’s representation that a two and one-half acre primary home site could be

developed on the property, because it appeared the County would limit grading to “‘no

more than 15 percent’” of the property. Larry wrote that the property was not worth the

$325,000 purchase that had been discussed. Larry offered Siggard $265,000. Siggard

was not interested in selling the land at that price; Siggard had a $250,000 mortgage on

the property. The negotiations between Larry and Siggard ended at that point. Siggard

turned his focus to building homes in other areas and trying to sell other properties he

owned.

                                            9
       D.     SIGGARD’S GRADING WORK IN 2006

       In 2006, the County was preparing to vote on an ordinance that Larry had

mentioned in his 2003 letter. If the ordinance were approved, Siggard would have been

limited to grading only 15 percent of his property. In 2006, when the County scheduled

the vote on the “15 percent ordinance,” Siggard decided that if he were going to put

roads on the property “it was going to be then or never.” Siggard needed to alter the

roads on the property because some of them were so steep that “a regular car couldn’t

get up” them. Siggard also planned to plant trees on the property, in order to enhance

the property’s value. Siggard did not have the financial ability to build a residence on

the property, so he did not prepare any plans for constructing a residence.

       In late January 2006, Siggard applied County’s Agricultural Commissioner for

an agricultural exemption to the grading permit process. Siggard believed the

agricultural grading permit would allow him to grade his property in support of

agricultural activities, such as planting trees, and to create roads and driveways for

access purposes. On the application, Siggard wrote that he planned to move

approximately 8,000 cubic yards of dirt, remove brush, and possibly move the

driveway. Siggard told the agricultural commissioner’s assistant that he planned to

plant avocado and citrus trees. Siggard indicated that he planned to perform grading

work on eight of the 10.2 acres. No engineering plans were submitted as part of the

agricultural grading permit process; however, Siggard submitted an aerial photograph of

the property indicating where the grading would take place. Siggard’s agricultural

grading permit was approved on March 23, 2006. The permit required Siggard to

                                            10
implement erosion controls as part of the grading project. Siggard’s erosion control

plan was also approved. On approximately March 25, Siggard submitted his grading

permit and maps of his grading plans to the Association. The Association granted an

extension of the approval for Siggard’s 2003 grading application.

         Siggard ordered 200 avocado trees to be delivered by the end of summer 2006.

Contractor was hired to perform the grading work. On April 25, 2006, Contractor

began grading Siggard’s property. Siggard told Contractor to make the roads

“accessible,” ideally under a 15 percent hill grade. Contractor used a bulldozer to

perform the grading work.

         On approximately May 1, 2006, Larry saw “a really steep cut along [his]

property line.” Larry instructed Marianne to contact the chairperson of the

Association’s Architectural Committee to determine if Siggard had permits and

permission to be performing grading work. Larry went to Siggard’s property where he

saw “[a] heck of a lot of grading, moving an extremely large amount of dirt.” Larry saw

“really steep cuts.” The cuts left an oak tree sitting on a “pedestal,” as all the other earth

had been pushed away from the tree. Larry saw a road was being graded that was

partially on the Hudacks’ property. The chairperson of the Architectural Committee

assured the Hudacks that Siggard had permits and the committee’s approval to perform

the grading work. For the next two weeks, the Hudacks watched the grading work take

place.

         On approximately May 15, 2006, Siggard’s grading work resulted in a dam being

built across Bear Creek. The dam was created when machinery was moved across the

                                             11
creek. As the machinery moved across the creek, the water became muddy. Siggard

installed a silt fence, but it was not effective. Thus, Siggard installed an Arizona

crossing. Siggard placed a 24-inch pipe in the creek and covered it with dirt, so the

machinery could move over the creek without pushing dirt into the water.

       On May 17 the water in Bear Creek stopped flowing. At that point, the Hudacks

questioned the information given to them by the chairperson of the Architectural

Committee. Larry contacted County’s Code Enforcement Unit to determine if Siggard

had grading permits. Larry discovered no grading permits had been issued to Siggard.

Larry contacted the president of the Association’s Board of Directors (the Board) and

asked him to look at Siggard’s property because Larry believed Siggard was violating

the bylaws by damming Bear Creek.

       On May 17, the Board’s president looked at Siggard’s property from the property

line Siggard shared with the Hudacks. Larry complained that (1) the grading was

moving rocks and dirt on to the Hudacks’ property, (2) Bear Creek had been disturbed,

and (3) a spring that fed oak trees on the Hudacks’ property had been rerouted. It

appeared to the president that “there was debris” on the Hudacks’ property and there

had been “some disruption” to Bear Creek. The president could not ascertain if the

spring had been rerouted. The president said “he would see to it that a cease and desist

[letter] would be issued” to Siggard.

       The Association’s attorneys sent a letter to Siggard on May 18. The letter asked

Siggard to cease and desist from grading his property because Siggard did not have a

grading permit. The letter warned that the Association could file legal action, such as

                                            12
an injunction, against Siggard if he did not stop grading his property. In response to the

letter, Siggard called the Board’s president, but he would not take Siggard’s call. Thus,

Siggard sent a letter to the Association’s attorney. Siggard wrote that the Association’s

facts were incorrect, but even if they were correct, the Association failed to state facts

sufficient to support a cause of action. In a telephone conversation with the

Association’s attorney, Siggard referred the attorney to the agricultural grading permit

he filed with the Association’s management office. The Association did not file for an

injunction.

       On May 19, Siggard received a letter from the Hudacks’ attorney. The letter

referenced the Association’s CC&Rs, but did not cite a specific section for the

proposition that Siggard had to cease and desist from his grading work. The letter also

reflected that the grading work could be a violation of environmental laws because it

impacted a stream and possible protected species habitat. Siggard continued to grade

his property. Siggard contacted the Hudacks’ attorney, who had sent the letter. The

Hudacks’ attorney informed Siggard that he had been fired by the Hudacks and they

were planning to sue Siggard. The Hudacks’ attorney would not give Siggard the new

attorney’s contact information.

       On May 20, 2006, Larry wrote a letter to the Board’s president. In the letter,

Larry accused Siggard of grading “directly into Bear Creek.” Larry theorized that

Siggard was using “an agricultural exemption as a ruse or cover story to accomplish

land clearing and massive earth movement that would enable him to more favorably

present and sell his 10 acre parcel.” Larry noted that “Siggard had an Agricultural

                                             13
Exemption and [the County could] not shut him down,” but Larry also concluded

“Siggard had No PERMITS.”

       In the letter, Larry faulted the Association for approving Siggard’s grading plans

without evidence Siggard had “appropriate county permits.” Larry asserted Siggard’s

“grading caused a material and substantial loss of property value for [the Hudacks’]

adjoining parcels.” Larry believed (1) the oak trees on his property would die due to a

lack of water from the spring; (2) mud would move onto his property when it rained

from the soft dirt piled “within inches” of the Hudacks’ property; and (3) the Hudacks’

property would flood when it rained due to the damming of Bear Creek. Larry wrote

the Association “must consider that [it] will either be a co-defendant or a plaintiff in this

case . . . there is no middle ground.”

       The Board concluded they would be named in the lawsuit “one way or another,”

so decided not to take any particular action since the dispute concerned two property

owners within the Association. When the Board informed Larry that it would not be

joining him as a plaintiff against Siggard, Larry replied, “The gloves are off. We’ll see

you in court.”

       On May 22, 2006, the director of County’s Building and Safety Unit sent an e-

mail to Larry informing him that his claims against Siggard would be investigated, but

that the investigation would require “some time to process due to very specific

notification requirements.” Larry went on to contact the agricultural commissioner, the

code enforcement unit, a County Supervisor, the California Environmental Protection

Agency, and the California Department of Fish and Game.

                                             14
       Larry also contacted the Contractors State License Board. Larry accused

Contractor of grading without a permit and asked the licensing board to inquire into the

status of Contractor’s contracting license. Larry told the licensing board that Contractor

was “a rogue contractor.” Larry also took over 1,000 photographs of Siggard’s

property. Larry wrote in a declaration, “I took hundreds of pictures; in some cases on a

daily basis.”

       E.       COMPLAINT AND CROSS-COMPLAINT

       The Hudacks filed their original complaint, initiating the instant case, on May 25,

2006. The Hudacks sued (1) Siggard; (2) Contractor; (3) the County; and (4) the

Riverside County Planning Department. The causes of action included (1) breach of

contract, (2) trespass, (3) encroachment, (4) nuisance per se, (5) private nuisance,

(6) negligence, and (7) a CEQA violation. The CEQA cause of action included

allegations that all four defendants, “should have required an Environmental Impact

Report (EIR)” for the grading work done on Siggard’s property. The Hudacks

requested a “[w]rit of mandamus to require the defendants to recognize that the

defendants [sic] grading project is subject to CEQA and to require said defendants to

comply with the CEQA act [sic] and prepare an [EIR].” The trial court scheduled the

hearing on the petition for a writ of mandate for April 2007.

       After receiving the Hudacks’ complaint, Siggard moved the boulders that had

been placed near the property line Siggard shared with the Hudacks. Siggard moved the

boulders approximately 40 feet away from the property line, onto his property. Siggard

moved the boulders because he was hoping to “just get [the lawsuit] over with.”

                                            15
Additionally, on June 1, 2006, Siggard hired a civil engineer to create a grading plan

and a storm water pollution prevention plan. Siggard hired the civil engineer to create

the plans because he wanted to “get [the lawsuit] done.” Siggard thought to himself,

“Look, if I do all of these things, will [Larry] just leave me alone and let me proceed

with this?”

       On June 15, 2006, the director of County’s Building and Safety Department sent

an e-mail to County Supervisor Bob Buster’s legislative assistant. In the e-mail, the

director explained, “We sent a grading inspector out to take a look and it was

determined that [] Siggard is grading within the scope of his Ag. Registration. We did

however, issue him a[ notice of violation] for not having his erosion control in place.

As you can tell from the e-mails, [Larry] is not happy with my response and wants the

project shut down. Unfortunately [] Siggard has not done anything yet that would allow

us to do that. I’ll send a grading inspector out again and have them take another look.”

       In July 2006, Siggard and Contractor filed cross-complaints. In Siggard’s cross-

complaint he sued (1) Marianne, (2) Larry, (3) the Trust, (4) the County, and (5)

County’s Planning Department. Siggard included causes of action for (1) a violation of

CEQA; (2) trespass; (3) encroachment; (4) nuisance; (5) civil conspiracy to defraud;

(6) defamation, slander, and libel; (7) interference with a prospective economic

advantage; (8) slander of title; and (9) intentional infliction of emotional distress.

       F.     INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS

       On July 30, 2006, Larry sent an e-mail to approximately 55 people with the

subject line, “Is this the way you really want things run?” Some of the people who

                                             16
received the e-mail were members of the Association; however, some were not

members. In the e-mail, Larry complained that the Board was being “used as a tool of

disgruntled violators whose sole aim is to disrupt and corrupt our community,” because

Larry believed the Board was “acting as Siggard’s agent.” In the e-mail Larry wrote

that if it were necessary he would “make [i]t [his] life’s work to file a complaint against

each and every fence, entry gate, culvert, or otherwise that [he] can identify [as being]

in ‘violation’ anywhere in La Cresta.” Larry then recommended people “read the

Chicken Little Story,” by clicking on a hyperlink Larry provided in the e-mail.

       The Chicken Little Story appeared on Larry’s website, LCPOALaw.com. At

trial, Larry described the story as “a cartoon of mythical characters that was intended to

bring a lighthearted or humorous look at the situations going on in La Cresta.” Larry

testified the characters in the story were fictional. The story was set in “a little kingdom

on a hill,” where “a lot of chickens” lived. The chickens elected a board of directors,

and there were committees associated with the board. The story described one

committee as having “the job of making sure all the chickens built their hen houses just

right.” The committee was described as “want[ing] to say yes to everybody, no matter

how outrageous their plans or proposal might be.” The story went on for 12 pages. At

trial, Larry denied the story was based on real people.

       The Board president replied to Larry’s e-mail, including all the people that

received Larry’s original e-mail. The president explained the Association’s complaint

process to Larry, assured Larry that “the rules are the same for everyone,” and stated no

                                            17
response could be given about the situation involving Siggard because litigation was

taking place.

       Larry responded, again e-mailing a lengthy list of people, with a list of questions

and accusations against the Board. For example, an excerpt of the e-mail reads: “For

you[r] information, Siggard has disclosed that you and Kannen did cut a secret deal and

agreed to let him continue grading after sending the Cease and Desist letter. Unless he

is lying, you really did pull a fast one with your secret deal. Why would you do that?

What did you hope to gain? [¶] Why??? [¶] PS Thanks for confirming you have cut

off all communications in confirmation of my claims. [¶] PSS Thanks for the heads up.

I’ll have a much better mailing list for my next communication.”

       The Board president replied to Larry’s e-mail with answers to Larry’s questions.

For example, the president responded, “The[re] is no ‘secret’[]deal[,] never has been

one and won’t be one. We would NEVER cut a secret deal.” Larry responded, still

including approximately 50 people. In the response, Larry asserted the president did not

answer his questions and concluded, “We have accomplished nothing here. We’ll

address the appropriate questions in court.”

       G.       ANTI-SLAPP MOTION

       The Hudacks responded to Siggard’s cross-complaint with an anti-SLAPP

motion. In November 2006, Judge Cahraman ruled on the anti-SLAPP motion. The

trial court granted the anti-SLAPP motion as it pertained to Siggard’s causes of action

for (1) defamation, slander, and libel; (2) interference with a prospective economic

advantage; (3) slander of title; and (4) intentional infliction of emotional distress. The

                                            18
trial court found Siggard was suing the Hudacks “for allegations set forth in [the

Hudacks’] legal pleadings.” The trial court also found “there is nothing submitted that

would demonstrate a probability of prevailing on these causes of action.” The trial

court also granted the Hudacks’ demurrer to Siggard’s cause of action for civil

conspiracy to defraud, but granted Siggard leave to amend.

       On November 21, 2006, the Hudacks filed a second amended complaint. The

defendants were (1) Siggard; (2) Contractor; (3) County; (4) County’s Planning

Department; and (5) the Association. The causes of action included: (1) a violation of

CEQA; (2) trespass; (3) encroachment; (4) nuisance per se; (5) private nuisance;

(6) negligence; (7) breach of fiduciary duty; (8) breach of contract by failing to enforce

CC&Rs; and (9) negligence.

       H.     WRIT OF MANDATE AND CEQA RULINGS

       The hearing on the petition for a writ of mandate took place on April 4, 2007.

After taking the matter under submission, Judge Cahraman granted the writ on May 22,

2007. The writ directed County to “vacate and set aside its approval of the agricultural

exemption to the permit requirements; and (2) take such action as may be necessary to

bring the project into compliance with [CEQA], sections 21000, et seq., of the Public

Resources Code.”

       On June 18, 2007, the Hudacks filed a motion requesting a hearing on the

additional remedies requested in their second amended complaint concerning the

alleged CEQA violation. In addition to the writ, the Hudacks requested Siggard (1) be

required to restore his property to the condition it was in prior to his grading activity;

                                             19
and (2) “be prohibited from seeking any discretionary land use approval for the Property

for a period of five (5) years.”

       On September 5, 2007, County filed its initial return to the writ of mandate. The

return reflected (1) County invalidated Siggard’s agricultural grading exemption; and

(2) an additional return to the writ would be filed if Siggard applied for another grading

permit or agricultural exemption and County’s Building Department approved the

permit or exemption. Judge Cahraman held a hearing on the Hudacks “additional

remedies” motion on September 19, 2007, and took the matter under submission.

       On November 15, 2007, the trial court denied, without prejudice, the Hudacks’

request to preclude Siggard from obtaining land use approvals. The trial court

scheduled a hearing on the request to direct Siggard to restore his property to its

pregraded condition. The trial court also scheduled a hearing for an order to show cause

“why the court should not refer [the] matter to a referee.” The court held a hearing on

the restoration and referee issues on January 22, 2008, and took the matters under

submission.

       On February 7, 2008, the trial court appointed a referee. The trial court ordered

the following factual question be resolved: “What remedial action, if any, should []

Siggard be required to perform with regard to the changes he made to his land? The

analysis should be based on the environmental damage done and its effect on the

Hudacks, if any.” The trial court ordered Siggard and the Hudacks equally share the

cost of the referee. Judge Cahraman reassigned the case to the civil master calendar

department.

                                            20
       I.     SALE OF SIGGARD’S PROPERTY

       On July 1, 2008, Siggard lost his La Cresta property to foreclosure. Washington

Mutual Bank acquired Siggard’s property. On August 4, 2008, the Hudacks’ attorney,

R. Keith McKellogg (McKellogg), sent a letter to the realtor handling the sale of

Siggard’s former property. McKellogg wrote that he understood the listing price for

Siggard’s former property would be $400,000. McKellogg offered for the Hudacks to

purchase the property for $50,000. McKellogg asserted the $400,000 listing price failed

to take into account the $250,000 to $300,000 cost of restoring the property to its

pregraded condition.

       Siggard’s former property was purchased by Sergio and Laura Ochoa

(collectively “the Ochoas”) in January 2009. The Ochoas planned to build a retirement

home on the property. After purchasing the property the Ochoas applied to the

Association for permission to construct a fence across the front of the property. The

Ochoas also wanted to remove a tree or bush that was located along the border with the

Hudacks’ property. The Association approved the fence but recommended the Ochoas

introduce themselves to the Hudacks and ask the Hudacks if it would be okay to remove

the tree or bush.

       Sergio Ochoa (Sergio) called Larry. Sergio told Larry about his plans to build a

fence and remove a bush. Larry asked if the Ochoas had already closed escrow. Sergio

responded, “Yes,” and asked, “Why?” Larry said the property was involved in

litigation, which Sergio had not known about. Larry told Sergio, “[Y]ou’re going to be

in a bunch of trouble,” due to the litigation. Sergio and Larry agreed to meet in person.

                                            21
At the meeting, on February 14, Larry told Sergio the details of the lawsuit. Larry told

Sergio that he would “give [him] some time to get out of the sale of the property,” but

that if Sergio remained the owner of the property then the Hudacks would name the

Ochoas as defendants in their lawsuit. Larry also offered to purchase the property from

the Ochoas but for “much” less than the Ochoas paid for it. Eventually, the Hudacks

named the Ochoas in their lawsuit.

       J.     REFEREE’S REPORT AND SIGGARD’S DEMURRER

       The referee held an evidentiary hearing on April 30, 2009. In a proposed report,

the referee found (1) Bear Creek is a blue line stream2 “within the jurisdictional

authority of the Department of Fish & Game and is considered a sensitive habitat”;

(2) there was a natural spring that fed the oak trees on the Hudacks’ property, and that

spring was dammed by the 2006 grading on Siggard’s property; (3) Siggard exceeded

his agricultural grading exemption by (a) grading for roads, and (b) excavating

approximately 33,520 cubic yards of dirt; (4) Siggard’s property experienced substantial

erosion when it rains, which caused sediment to fall into Bear Creek; and (5) the

grading was done without proper soil compaction. The referee concluded the banks of

Bear Creek and the creek itself needed to be restored.

       The referee recommended the trial court (1) find Siggard and his successors in

interest “jointly and severally liable for all costs related to remediation of the subject

       2  A “blue line stream” is a stream that appears as a blue line on the U.S.
Geological Survey Maps. (Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation
District, Glossary of Flood Control Terms
 (as of September 27, 2013).

                                             22
property”; (2) designate a project engineer to supervise the remediation of the property;

and (3) order the remediation be completed by October 15, 2009.

       In September 2009, Siggard demurred to the Hudacks fifth amended complaint.3

In the demurrer, it was argued that CEQA “does not specifically authorize an injunction

in order for a property owner to return [a] property to a pre-graded state.” In other

words, the remedy the Hudacks were seeking did not comport with the CEQA [cause

of] action. Siggard asserted the appropriate action under CEQA was for County to

conduct an environmental review.

       Judge Schwartz ruled on the demurrer. The trial court concluded CEQA did not

grant the court authority to issue an injunction ordering Siggard to return the property to

its pregraded condition. The trial court reviewed the referee’s report and noted that

restoration of the property was never found to be required by CEQA in that an

environmental impact report was never prepared. The court concluded it had the

authority to stop the grading, but ordering restoration would be problematic because it

would be a second project occurring on the property without an environmental impact

report. The court held the proper remedy would be “to remand the project back to the

lead agency to conduct the appropriate review.” The trial court sustained the demurrer

to the Hudacks’ CEQA cause of action without leave to amend. The trial court also

vacated the scheduled hearing to consider the referee’s findings.

       3   See our Introduction, ante.

                                            23
         K.    THE HUDACKS BECOME OWNERS OF SIGGARD’S FORMER

               PROPERTY

         The Ochoas filed a cross-complaint against the bank to rescind the sale of the

property. The Ochoas’ lawsuit “didn’t get that far”—they “didn’t succeed in litigation.”

The Ochoas sold Siggard’s former property to the Hudacks. The Hudacks paid the

same purchase price as the Ochoas plus $20,000 for legal fees, but the Ochoas still lost

money on the transactions due to the payments of closing costs, attorneys’ fees, and

taxes.

         On January 11, 2010, the Hudacks graded Siggard’s former property without a

permit, claiming reliance on an agricultural exemption and an emergency notification

filed with the Department of Fish and Game. Larry asserted he was grading in order to

mitigate the damage caused by Siggard’s grading, while also preparing the land for

farming. The Hudacks’ grading was performed by an unlicensed contractor.

         The Association contacted County’s Code Enforcement Unit in regard to the

Hudacks’ grading activity. Code Enforcement Officer Farlow inspected the former

Siggard property on January 12, 2010. Farlow saw “three small loaders working in and

around . . . a riparian feature.” Farlow spoke to Larry. Larry told Farlow that he was

trespassing. Larry also told Farlow he was grading under an agricultural exemption.

Farlow told Larry that the creek likely fell within the jurisdiction of the Department of

Fish and Game. Larry responded, “‘Fish and Game can deal with my lawyer.’” After

that comment, Farlow left. Farlow discovered Larry never applied for an agricultural

                                             24
grading exemption; however, he might not have needed to apply since he was

expanding his farming activity from a parcel he owned onto Siggard’s former property.

        On March 5, 2010, the Association’s management company sent the Hudacks a

cease and desist letter, directing them to stop grading their property because they had

not applied to the Association’s Architectural Committee for approval of the grading

work.

        L.     PRETRIAL DISCUSSIONS

        Judge Holmes presided over the trial and pretrial motions. On July 12, 2010, the

trial court ordered the parties to work together to create jury instructions and a special

verdict form, prior to the jury being selected. On July 15, the parties submitted

proposed instructions. The court issued a ruling on the proposed instructions. The

parties also presented the trial court with a joint special verdict form.4 The trial court

commented, “[T]his is the longest special verdict form I have ever seen, but that may

not be a bad thing. I’m trying to convince myself.”

        On July 19, the trial court and the parties finalized the instructions. The court

discussed the special verdict form and the various changes proposed by the parties.

Eventually, the trial court validated the special verdict form that was submitted in the

days prior to July 19. The special verdict form was 20 pages long and included 92

questions.

        4The reporter’s transcript reflects the special verdict form was discussed on July
7, 2010. The register of actions reflects the special verdict form was discussed on July
16, 2010.

                                             25
       M.     TRIAL

       During trial, Siggard testified that the Hudacks trespassed and encroached on the

northwest corner of his property by constructing a road that entered three or four feet

onto his property and went a distance of approximately 100 feet along his property.

Siggard was unsure the value of the damages caused by the alleged trespass and

encroachment, but asserted he was unable to use the portion of his property that was

encumbered by the road.

       Siggard asserted the Hudacks created a nuisance on his property by

“intentionally and maliciously [tying his] property up so that [he] could not sell it, could

not use it, and caused [him] to lose his property.” Siggard also asserted the Hudacks

created a nuisance by causing him to be unable to plant 200 avocado trees. Siggard

testified he was not aware of the Hudacks creating an unhealthful condition on his

property. Siggard estimated the damage for the nuisance to be “[i]n excess of a million

dollars.” Siggard based the estimate on “[t]he value of the lot at the time it was tied up,

as opposed to what was owed at the time it was ti[ed] up.” Siggard believed the

Hudacks should pay for the various expenses he incurred, for which he was unable to

recover due to being unable to sell the property, such as the money spent on property

taxes, engineering plans, and grading. The million dollars also included the time

Siggard spent representing himself as an attorney in the Hudacks’ case—time that

Siggard could have spent earning money. Siggard appeared in pro per until

approximately 60 days before trial.

                                            26
       In regard to his intentional infliction of emotional distress claim, Siggard testified

that he suffered “[s]leeplessness, suicidal thoughts, homelessness, lack of prestige in the

community, [and] slander.” Siggard said he did not receive medical treatment for these

issues because he was unable to afford such treatment. Siggard testified he had been

homeless for approximately one year and was homeless at the time of trial.

       N.     INSTRUCTIONS

       The trial court gave the jury the following instructions concerning Siggard’s

damages: “Now, here are the specific items of economic damages claimed by Cross-

Complainant [] Siggard: The Christensen survey; the cost of grading in 2006; number

3, the cost of the agricultural exception to the grading permit; number 4, the harm to []

Siggard’s property. To recover damages for harm to property, [] Siggard must prove

reasonable out-of-pocket loss, and the cost of repairing the harm. To determine whether

out-of-pocket loss and the cost of repairing [the] harm is reasonable, you must decide if

there’s a reasonable relationship between the cost of repair and the harm caused by the

Hudacks’ conduct. You must consider the expense and time involved to restore the

property to its original condition compared to the actual value of the property. If you

find that the cost of repairing the harm is not reasonable, you may award any reduction

in the property’s value; and the fifth item of economic damages claimed by [] Siggard,

the loss of use of his property. To recover damages for the loss of use, [] Siggard must

prove the benefit obtained by the Hudacks because of their wrongful occupation.”

                                             27
       O.     CLOSING ARGUMENT

       During Siggard’s closing argument, Siggard’s attorney, Craig Rossell (Rossell),

argued the Hudacks “committed a gross nuisance as towards [] Siggard, because they

interfered with his loss and enjoyment of the property and life. That’s what nuisance

is.”

       In regard to economic damages, it appears from the record Rossell was referring

to a document, slide, or other projected image while presenting his argument. Rossell

argued: “Damages of [] Siggard, economic damages. There’s the purchase price, and

here is the 2003 development expense, and we broke that out ever so slightly. Then

there’s the 2006 surveying expense, and there’s the 2006 grading with [Contractor].

Then, there’s some more expense of 2006, LSA, and the [storm water pollution

prevention plan], that wasn’t necessary. Mr. Miller testified it wasn’t necessary. The

conservation plan that was already in the original application was sufficient. That’s

what he told us, and yet [] Siggard was given notice [of] violation as a result of

[Larry]’s excessive campaign to discredit him. He incurred another $11,000 for a

[storm water pollution prevention plan], and he only needed one or the other. We have

erosion control materials that were laid down in 2006. We have lost equity on the

parcel. How do we get at that? We take the Noble Tucker fair market value estimate,

and we back out what was owed. [] Siggard originally said three and a quarter.

[McKellogg] corrected him. It was 364. So we took the right number and we backed it

out, and we got 236. Then we have property taxes for an eight year period, homeowner

fees for that same period, and it gives us a total of $462,200. That’s what we claim his

                                            28
out-of-pocket damages are for interference, loss of use and enjoyment of the property,

property rights and life. That’s the economic part.”

       P.     VERDICT

       First, the jury found Siggard encroached on the Hudacks’ property, but the

encroachment was not a substantial factor in causing harm to the Hudacks. Second, the

jury found Siggard trespassed on the Hudacks’ property and that the trespass was a

substantial factor in causing harm to the Hudacks; however, the jury concluded Siggard

did not intend to harm the Hudacks. Third, the jury found Siggard was negligent, but

concluded Siggard’s negligence was not a substantial factor in causing harm to the

Hudacks. Fourth, the jury found Siggard’s grading activities did not violate a County

ordinance. Fifth, the jury found Siggard did not create a private nuisance.

       Sixth, the jury found the Hudacks encroached on Siggard’s property, but they did

so with Siggard’s permission. Seventh, the jury found (a) the Hudacks created a

condition that was harmful to health; which (b) interfered with Siggard’s use or

enjoyment of his land; (c) a reasonable person would have been annoyed or disturbed by

the Hudacks’ conduct; (d) the Hudacks’ conduct was a substantial factor in causing

harm to Siggard; and (e) the seriousness of the harm to Siggard outweighed the public

benefit of the Hudacks’ conduct. Eighth, the jury concluded Marianne conspired with

Larry to injure Siggard. Ninth, the jury found the Hudacks engaged in trespass and

nuisance with malice, oppression, and fraud. For the nuisance cause of action, the jury

awarded Siggard $437,200 for economic losses and nothing for non-economic losses.

The jury awarded Siggard punitive damages in the amount of $167,500.

                                           29
       Q.     MOTION FOR JUDGMENT NOTWITHSTANDING THE VERDICT

       On November 12, 2010, the Hudacks filed a motion for a judgment

notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV). The Hudacks asserted Siggard’s private nuisance

cause of action was “focused exclusively on the Hudacks’ communications with public

officials and the CEQA cause of action.” The Hudacks argued that their

communications were “absolutely privileged” due to the litigation privilege. The

Hudacks reasoned that since Siggard’s nuisance claim was “based solely on the

Hudacks’ right to access the courts[, n]o admissible evidence supports this cause of

action and it cannot stand.”

       The Hudacks argued the issue was already settled when Judge Cahraman ruled

on their anti-SLAPP motion. The Hudacks argued Siggard’s nuisance claim was a

“‘back door’” method of introducing “improper evidence,” after the anti-SLAPP ruling.

       Judge Holmes ruled on the Hudacks’ JNOV motion. In denying the motion, the

trial court wrote, “A preliminary ruling on an anti-SLAPP motion does not amount to an

exclusionary rule. Substantial and relevant evidence at trial proved a cause of action not

affected by the SLAPP ruling, and no law precluded its introduction and consideration

by the jury. Much more evidence was adduced showing the Hudacks’ misconduct than

just communications to public officials: among other things, there were repeated

contacts about [] Siggard with [the] Association officials and other neighbors, some 60

emails to these and other individuals, and threats made to the whole La Cresta

community shown at trial.”

                                           30
       R.     MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL

       On November 22, 2010, the Hudacks filed a motion for new trial. First, the

Hudacks asserted there was a “fatal inconsistency between [an] instruction and [the]

special verdict” form. The Hudacks pointed out that the private nuisance instruction

defined a nuisance as occurring if the Hudacks or Siggard interfered with one another’s

“comfortable enjoyment of life or property,” while the special verdict form asked the

jury whether Siggard’s interference created a condition that was harmful to the

Hudacks’ health. The Hudacks argued that their private nuisance cause of action “was

not premised on a contention that Siggard created a condition that was harmful to their

health,” and the jury was not instructed on the health issue, so therefore the

“inconsistency renders the verdict ‘against law’ and mandates a new trial against

Siggard.”

       Second, the Hudacks’ argued “the jury was improperly allowed to second guess

the portion of the judgment in this case finding that Siggard’s grading violated [County]

Ordinance 457,” which concerned grading. The Hudacks pointed out that the first

question on the special verdict form for the nuisance per se cause of action was whether

Siggard’s grading activities violated County Ordinance 457. The jury found Siggard’s

grading did not violate the ordinance. The Hudacks argued this was problematic

because the violation of the ordinance was res judicata or law of the case, because Judge

Cahraman wrote in his ruling, “‘In March of 2006, [Siggard] obtained an agricultural

exemption f[ro]m the requirement of a grading permit, pursuant to Riverside County

Ordinance 457. Respondent County conducted no CEQA review whatsoever prior to

                                            31
granting that exemption. . . .[”] (Italics omitted.) The Hudacks asserted Judge

Cahraman’s ruling granting the writ was “fully conclusive” on the finding that Siggard

violated County’s ordinance because “Siggard had no grading permits and did not have

a valid exemption.”

       Judge Holmes ruled on the motion for new trial. In the trial court’s ruling it

wrote: “Judge Cahraman’s writ of mandate was directed to the County of Riverside

based on what he found to be its violation of the California Environmental Quality Act.

He did not find that Siggard’s grading violated County Ordinance 457, and there was

conflicting evidence presented on that point.

       “Based on all the evidence presented to the jury over the weeks of trial, it could

well have heeded the [private nuisance jury instruction] and still rendered its same

verdict. Further, all counsel approved both the instruction and the special verdict form,

and no objection was made when the verdict was read out by the courtroom assistant.”

                                     DISCUSSION

       A.     PRIVATE NUISANCE

              1.      CONTENTIONS

       The Hudacks contend the trial court erred by denying their JNOV motion

because the evidence supporting Siggard’s private nuisance cause of action was the

same evidence Judge Cahraman found to be protected communications when ruling on

the anti-SLAPP motion. Additionally, under the same point heading, the Hudacks

assert “substantial evidence” does not support the private nuisance verdict because

“communicative acts” cannot form “the sole basis of liability for private nuisance” on

                                            32
land. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.204 [separate headings].) We disagree with both

contentions.

               2.    PROTECTED COMMUNICATIONS

       We begin with the Hudacks’ assertion that the trial court erred by denying their

JNOV motion because the court “completely ignored Judge Cahraman’s prior holding

that all of the alleged communication and conduct by the Hudacks, as a matter of law,

was ‘permissible communications and conduct in pursuit of the right to petition.’” It

appears the Hudacks are raising the following argument: The court determined, in the

anti-SLAPP ruling, that the Hudacks’ communication and conduct was protected

activity; therefore, any evidence that was brought up in that anti-SLAPP motion could

not be used in the trial, because it was determined to be privileged and that ruling bars

any contradictory evidentiary ruling.

       Typically we review denials of JNOV motions for substantial evidence; however,

if an issue raises purely legal questions then we apply the de novo standard of review.

(Wolf v. Walt Disney Pictures and Television (2008) 162 Cal.App.4th 1107, 1138.) The

Hudacks’ contention raises a legal issue, so we apply the de novo standard.

       The Hudacks’ argument is not persuasive because it fails to take into account the

second prong of the anti-SLAPP analysis. An anti-SLAPP analysis has two prongs

(1) is the defendant’s alleged activity protected, and (2) is there a probability the

plaintiff will prevail on the claim? (Code Civ. Proc., § 425.16, subd. (b)(1).) The

Hudacks’ argument concerns only the first prong. They assert the activity is protected

and therefore the evidence cannot be used at trial. The Hudacks have forgotten the

                                             33
second prong requiring the issue to be reconsidered for each cause of action. An anti-

SLAPP ruling is not a blanket finding that evidence must be excluded throughout trial.

As the trial court noted, an anti-SLAPP ruling is not an evidentiary ruling. However,

even if it were an evidentiary ruling, the second prong would require an analysis to be

performed for every cause of action.

       For example, if the anti-SLAPP analysis in this case resulted in a finding that the

evidence was protected, but Siggard had a probability of prevailing on his defamation

cause of action, then the evidence could have been admitted to prove defamation despite

the activity being protected—a finding of protected activity under an anti-SLAPP

analysis does not mean evidence is automatically excluded. Parties must meet both

prongs of the anti-SLAPP analysis and then the court will strike “the cause of action.”

(§ 425.16, subd. (b)(1), italics added.) Evidence is not stricken under an anti-SLAPP

analysis, but even if it were, it would be for a single cause of action—not an entire

complaint or trial.

       The Hudacks argue that the “e-mail evidence was insufficient as a matter of law

to survive the anti-SLAPP motion, and since Siggard did not appeal from that ruling, he

cannot use it now to support a private nuisance cause of action.” As set forth ante,

Siggard did not need to file an appeal to the anti-SLAPP motion in order to use the

evidence at trial for a cause of action that was not stricken by the anti-SLAPP ruling.

Thus, we find the Hudacks’ argument to be unpersuasive.

                                            34
       The Hudacks assert that the evidence was protected by the litigation privilege

(Civ. Code, § 47, subd. (b))5 in addition to being protected by the anti-SLAPP ruling.

The Hudacks discuss the fact that they raised objections to the evidence in the trial

court, give a record citation to closing arguments, and conclude the evidence is

privileged. The Hudacks’ argument concerning the litigation privilege is not persuasive

because it is not clear exactly which objections they believe should have been sustained.

The record citation to closing argument is to a page where no objections were raised.

Thus, it is unclear exactly what the Hudacks wish this court to analyze in regard to the

objections and the possible connection with the litigation privilege. (Cal. Rules of

Court, rule 8.204(a)(1)(C) [provide record citations].)

               3.      SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE

       We now turn to the Hudacks’ contention that substantial evidence does not

support the jury’s private nuisance finding because the evidence reflects the Hudacks’

interference was due to communicative acts, not a condition on Siggard’s land.

       “Substantial evidence is evidence that a rational trier of fact could find to be

reasonable, credible, and of solid value. Under the substantial evidence standard of

review, we view the evidence in the light most favorable to the judgment and accept as

true all evidence tending to support the judgment, including all facts that reasonably can

be deduced from the evidence, and must affirm the judgment if an examination of the

       5   All further statutory references are to the Civil Code unless indicated.

                                              35
entire record viewed in this light discloses substantial evidence to support the judgment.

[Citations.]” (Mealy v. B-Mobile, Inc. (2011) 195 Cal.App.4th 1218, 1223.)

       A nuisance is defined as “[a]nything which is injurious to health, including, but

not limited to, the illegal sale of controlled substances, or is indecent or offensive to the

senses, or an obstruction to the free use of property, so as to interfere with the

comfortable enjoyment of life or property, or unlawfully obstructs the free passage or

use, in the customary manner, of any navigable lake, or river, bay, stream, canal, or

basin, or any public park, square, street, or highway . . . .” (§ 3479.)

       Thus, a nuisance is an “interference with the private use and enjoyment of land.

[Citation.] In distinction to trespass, liability for nuisance does not require proof of

damage to the plaintiff’s property; proof of interference with the plaintiff’s use and

enjoyment of that property is sufficient. [Citation.]” (San Diego Gas & Electric Co. v.

Superior Court (1996) 13 Cal.4th 893, 937.)

       The Hudacks’ communications regarding Siggard’s property were so

overwhelming and overbearing that they interfered with Siggard’s use and enjoyment of

his property. In 2001, when Siggard scraped his lot to remove weeds and ruts in the

roads, Larry complained to the Association. The Association sent Siggard a letter

cautioning him against violating the CC&Rs. Complaints were also filed with County.

Siggard was cited by County, but then the citation was dismissed.

       In 2006, Siggard obtained an agricultural exemption for grading his property.

Siggard planned to plant trees, remove brush, and make the roads on the property

passable. The day Larry noticed the grading work, he told Marianne to contact the

                                             36
Association, and Larry went to Siggard’s property to investigate, but he did not speak to

Siggard. When the Association assured the Hudacks that Siggard’s work was approved

by County, the Hudacks continued to monitor Siggard’s activities. After two and half

weeks, Larry contacted County’s Code Enforcement Unit and the Association about

Siggard’s grading activities. The Association sent Siggard a cease and desist letter, but

after Siggard spoke to the Association’s attorney and referred the attorney to the

agricultural exemption filed with the Association’s management office, the Association

did not file for an injunction against Siggard.

       The Hudacks’ attorney also sent Siggard a cease and desist letter. Siggard

contacted the Hudacks’ attorney, but he had already been fired. Larry wrote a letter to

the Association; Larry presented a theory that Siggard’s agricultural exemption was a

ruse; Larry sent this letter to the Association after County had informed Larry that

Siggard was working within his agricultural exemption. Thus, despite being informed

by County that Siggard was acting within his exemption, Larry continued to complain

about Siggard’s work to an administrative body that could potentially disrupt Siggard’s

activities. Larry threatened to sue the Association if it did not join him in his fight

against Siggard.

       When the Association informed Larry that it would not be joining his lawsuit

against Siggard, Larry told the Association, “The gloves are off. We’ll see you in

court.” It can be inferred from this evidence that no matter what happened with

Siggard’s property, the complaining was going to continue, and it did. On May 22,

2006, the director of County’s Building and Safety Unit sent an e-mail to Larry

                                             37
informing him that his claims against Siggard would be investigated, but that the

investigation would require “some time to process due to very specific notification

requirements.” Larry went on to contact the agricultural commissioner, the Code

Enforcement Unit, a County Supervisor, the California Environmental Protection

Agency, and the California Department of Fish and Game. Larry also contacted the

Contractors State License Board, accusing Contractor of grading without a permit and

asking the licensing board to inquire into the status of Contractor’s contracting license.

Larry also took over 1,000 photographs of Siggard’s property. Larry wrote in a

declaration, “I took hundreds of pictures; in some cases on a daily basis.” Larry never

tried to speak to Siggard after the sale of Siggard’s property fell through in 2003.

       It can be reasonably inferred from this evidence that the Hudacks became locked

into a position of complaining to every possible agency about Siggard’s activities,

despite having already been told by County and the Association that Siggard was

working within his agricultural exemption. So everything Siggard did on his property

would lead to complaints and investigations by various administrative agencies.

Siggard either had to do exactly what the Hudacks wanted done or face endless

administrative investigations, because even if Siggard was acting within County’s rules,

the Hudacks were going to continue filing complaints.

       Since the Hudacks created an administrative barrier to Siggard performing work

on his property the jury could reasonably conclude that the evidence supported a finding

Larry interfered with Siggard’s use and enjoyment of his property, because everything

Siggard did on the property—even the work that was approved by County—resulted in

                                            38
administrative complaints to the point where Siggard had few options for proceeding

with his property, as evinced by the property being lost in foreclosure.

       In Siggard’s respondent’s brief, he “concedes that the judgment against the

Hudacks cannot be based on conduct that is subject to the official-proceedings or

litigation privilege created by Civil Code section 47, subd[ivision] (b).” It is unclear

exactly what documents Siggard is conceding should be excluded because the

concession is not supported by document titles, dates, or record citations. The obscurity

of Siggard’s concession is complicated by the fact that no objections were raised to

some of the evidence that could have possibly fit within the litigation privilege, thus

making it difficult for this court to “reverse engineer” Siggard’s concession by looking

though the record.

       For example, at trial, when Rossell asked to move into evidence a complaint

Larry filed with the California Environmental Protection Agency against Siggard in

May 2006, McKellogg explicitly said on the record, “No objection.” As a second

example, when Rossell sought to move into evidence an e-mail Larry sent to the

director of County’s Building and Safety Department in May 2006 concerning

Siggard’s grading activity, McKellogg again said on the record, “No objection.”

       If the litigation privilege is not raised, then it is waived. (G.R. v. Intelligator

(2010) 185 Cal.App.4th 606, 619.) Since the parties are not (1) directing the court to a

location in the record where the litigation privilege was raised as an objection to the

evidence and allegedly improperly overruled, and (2) providing reasons as to why the

ruling was improper, we cannot determine the applicability of the litigation privilege.

                                              39
(Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.204(a)(1)(B) & (C).) As a result, we are not persuaded that

the litigation privilege applies in this case, because we have not been presented with a

proper argument concerning the privilege. Since we cannot determine to what evidence

Siggard’s concession pertains, we find his concession to be fairly meaningless.

       We now turn to the Hudacks’ arguments. First, the Hudacks assert substantial

evidence does not support the judgment because communicative acts cannot form the

sole basis for nuisance liability, because communications are not an interference with

land. The Hudacks’ argument is not persuasive because they fail to appreciate the

consequences of their communicative actions. The Hudacks’ communications do not

exist in a vacuum. The communications had consequences, which resulted in Siggard

being prevented from using and enjoying his property in a manner he saw fit, even when

the use was approved by County.

       Second, the Hudacks argue there is no case precedent for communicative acts

providing the basis for nuisance liability. In People ex rel. Gallo v. Acuna (1997) 14

Cal.4th 1090, 1099 through 1100, our Supreme Court considered challenges to a

criminal street gang injunction that was based upon California’s civil public nuisance

statutes. One method of creating a public nuisance is to create “‘an obstruction to the

free use of property, so as to interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life or

property . . . .’” (Id. at p. 1120.) Our Supreme Court concluded people in the

community were “routinely obstruct[ed]” from using “their own property,” i.e. private

property, by the gang members “drinking, consumption of illegal drugs, loud talk, loud

music, vulgarity, profanity, brutality, fistfights and gunfire.” (Id. at p. 1120, italics

                                              40
added.) Thus, there is case law providing that a nuisance finding can be based upon

communicative acts. Accordingly, we find the Hudacks’ argument to be unpersuasive,

because in particular situations, communication can have the consequence of preventing

a person from using and enjoying his land.6

       Third, the Hudacks assert substantial evidence does not support the nuisance

judgment because “Judge Cahraman had previously held that all of the alleged

communication and conduct by the Hudacks was ‘permissible communications and

conduct in pursuit of the right to petition.’” The Hudacks cite to the portion of the

record wherein Judge Cahraman issued a ruling on the anti-SLAPP motion. As

explained ante, an anti-SLAPP ruling is not an evidentiary ruling. Thus, Judge

Cahraman’s ruling at the anti-SLAPP hearing does not explain why there was a lack of

substantial evidence at trial.

       Fourth, the Hudacks assert there is a lack of substantial evidence because Siggard

testified the Hudacks did not create an unhealthful condition on his property. The

Hudacks do not cite any law to support this argument; however, we infer they are

       6  Private nuisance law provides: “‘So long as the interference is substantial and
unreasonable, and such as would be offensive or inconvenient to the normal person,
virtually any disturbance of the enjoyment of the property may amount to a nuisance.’”
(Monks v. City of Rancho Palos Verdes (2008) 167 Cal.App.4th 263, 302.) Thus, we
are not interpreting the Supreme Court’s rule as providing that any communication can
form the basis for nuisance liability, because a plaintiff would still need to prove the
element of “unreasonableness” under an objective-person standard. The Hudacks do
not discuss the element of “unreasonableness,” rather, they focus on the element of
“interference.” Moreover, it is important to note that we were not presented with a
proper argument concerning the litigation privilege or any argument concerning the
First Amendment. The Hudacks did not include Siggard’s nuisance cause of action in
their anti-SLAPP motion.

                                            41
referring to the following definition: “Anything which is injurious to health or an

obstruction to the free use of property is a nuisance. (Civ. Code, § 3479.)” (Shamsian

v. Atlantic Richfield Co. (2003) 107 Cal.App.4th 967, 979.)

       On the special verdict form, the jury was asked: “Did the Hudacks create a

condition that was harmful to health?” The jury responded, “Yes.” The jury was then

asked, “Did this condition interfere with Siggard’s use or enjoyment of his land?” The

jury responded, “Yes.”

       At trial, when Siggard was being questioned by McKellogg, the following

exchange occurred:

       “[McKellogg]: So as far as these what we call non-economic damages, you

didn’t see a doctor. Did you ever take any special medication for these conditions?

       “[Siggard]: No, I have not.

       “[McKellogg]: Ever get any prescription medication to deal with these

conditions that you’ve described?

       “[Siggard]: No, I have not.

       “[McKellogg]: Did the Hudacks create some kind of condition on your property

that was unhealthful to you?

       “[Siggard]: You mean physical?

       “[McKellogg]: Yeah. Something that was harmful to your health?

       “[Siggard]: Not that I’m aware of.”

       It is unclear from the questions whether McKellogg asked Siggard (1) whether

the Hudacks created a physical condition on Siggard’s property that was unhealthful to

                                             42
Siggard, or (2) whether the Hudacks created a condition on Siggard’s property that was

unhealthful to Siggard’s physical wellbeing, as opposed to his emotional or mental

wellbeing. Since the question is unclear, Siggard’s answer, “Not that I’m aware of,” is

ambiguous. It is unclear if Siggard is saying there was not a condition on his property,

or if he is saying the condition on the property was not harmful to his physical

wellbeing.

       Under the substantial evidence standard of review we must resolve all conflicts

in the evidence and draw all reasonable inferences in support of the verdict. (Hartt v.

County of Los Angeles (2011) 197 Cal.App.4th 1391, 1402.) Under this rule, we must

interpret Siggard’s ambiguous testimony as reflecting there was a condition on his

property, but it was not harmful to his physical wellbeing. This inference is supported

by the fact that prior to this “physical” line of questioning, McKellogg was questioning

Siggard about his medications and prescriptions—it makes it more reasonable that the

question and answer concerned Siggard’s health. Accordingly, we find the Hudacks’

argument to be unpersuasive.

       B.     ORDINANCE VIOLATION

              1.     PROCEDURAL HISTORY

       In the Hudacks’ second amended complaint, their first cause of action concerned

an allegation of a CEQA violation, pertaining to all the defendants. In the first cause of

action, the Hudacks asserted Siggard obtained an agricultural grading exemption, but

exceeded the scope of that exemption when grading his property. The Hudacks alleged

County failed to perform a CEQA analysis of Siggard’s project. Therefore, the

                                            43
Hudacks asked the trial court to issue a writ of mandate (1) setting aside the agricultural

exemption, (2) directing County to prepare an environmental impact report, and

(3) awarding attorneys’ fees and costs to the Hudacks. The Hudacks also requested

(1) a judgment prohibiting Siggard from applying for “discretionary land use approval

for the Property for a period of five (5) years pursuant to [County] Ordinance 457”; and

(2) a judgment requiring Siggard to restore the property to its original condition prior to

the grading.

       When Judge Cahraman issued the ruling on the Hudacks writ petition, he wrote

the following in the “Introduction” section of the written ruling: “In March of 2006

[Siggard] obtained an agricultural exemption from the requirement of a grading permit,

pursuant to Riverside County Ordinance 457. Respondent County conducted no CEQA

review whatsoever prior to granting that exemption. [The Hudacks] challenge that

decision and assert that CEQA covers the decision in question.” In the “Ruling”

section, Judge Cahraman wrote: “Judgment shall be entered in favor of petitioners on

the first cause of action.” The trial court ordered County to “(1) vacate and set aside its

approval of the agricultural exemption to the permit requirements; and (2) take such

actions as may be necessary to bring the project into compliance with the California

Environmental Quality Act, sections 21000, et. seq., of the Public Resources Code.”

The ruling was issued on May 22, 2007.

       The Hudacks requested their other remedies also be granted, in addition to the

writ. Judge Cahraman held a hearing on the Hudacks “additional remedies” motion.

The trial court denied, without prejudice, the Hudacks’ request to preclude Siggard from

                                            44
obtaining land use approvals. On February 7, 2008, the trial court appointed a referee.

The trial court ordered the following factual question be resolved: “What remedial

action, if any, should [] Siggard be required to perform with regard to the changes he

made to his land? The analysis should be based on the environmental damage done and

its effect on the Hudacks, if any.”

       On August 6, 2009, the Hudacks filed their fifth amended complaint. County

was not listed as a defendant in the fifth amended complaint. The first cause of action

in the fifth amended complaint was an allegation of a CEQA violation against Siggard

and the Ochoas. In the first cause of action, the Hudacks alleged judgment was entered

in their favor on this cause of action but the court “reserved jurisdiction to make further

remediation orders.”

       Siggard demurred to the Hudacks fifth amended complaint arguing that CEQA

“does not specifically authorize an injunction in order for a property owner to return [a]

property to a pre-graded state.” Siggard asserted the appropriate remedy under CEQA

was for County to conduct an environmental review.

       Judge Schwartz ruled on the demurrer. The trial court concluded CEQA did not

grant the court authority to issue an injunction ordering Siggard to return the property to

its pregraded condition. The trial court reviewed the referee’s report and noted that

restoration of the property was never found to be required by CEQA in that an

environmental impact report was never prepared. The court concluded it had the

authority to stop the grading, but ordering restoration would be problematic because it

would be a second project occurring on the property without an environmental impact

                                            45
report. The court held the proper remedy would be “to remand the project back to the

lead agency to conduct the appropriate review.” The trial court sustained the demurrer

to the Hudacks’ CEQA cause of action without leave to amend.

       The parties presented the trial court with a joint special verdict form. When

reviewing the verdict form, the trial court said it would place the titles of the causes of

action, from the verdict form, on a single sheet of paper to have available for ruling on

relevance objections. The trial court told the attorneys, “[I]f it turns out not to be

adequate on your cross-complaint or on the complaint, let me know with a short

submittal. I don’t care what form you use. Individually. I’m not asking you to do this

as joint, but if there’s something more in the case than is reflected here in the titles, let

me know. This will be easier for me than using the complaint and trying to figure out

what’s left in the complaint.”

       On July 19, the trial court and the parties discussed the special verdict form and

the various changes proposed by the parties. The parties discussed the issue of how

Contractor was presented, as an individual or a corporate entity. The trial court

instructed the attorneys to work it out together. McKellogg said, “We’ll work on that at

lunch, Your Honor.” When the parties reconvened after the noon recess, Rossell and

Contractor’s attorney explained that McKellogg wanted “a whole set of questions aimed

directly at Ryan Monteleone,” as an individual. The trial court validated the joint

special verdict form that was originally submitted.

       During closing arguments, McKellogg argued: “[D]id [] Siggard violate

Riverside County Ordinance 457 because he needed a grading permit? He didn’t get

                                              46
one. You’ve heard excuses why he said he didn’t need one, but if you find, based on

the testimony of the other witnesses, that there was a need for a grading permit, and he

didn’t have it, and he was using this Agricultural Exception as basically a cover for not

getting the grading permit, then your answer to these Nuisance Per Se questions are

going to be ‘yes.’” McKellogg went on to argue the evidence, such as the testimony of

a code enforcement officer, asserting it showed Siggard violated County Ordinance No.

457.

       On the Hudacks’ nuisance per se cause of action against Siggard, the special

verdict form read:

       “12. Did Siggard’s grading activities violate Riverside County Ordinance 457?

       “_____ Yes _____ No

       “If your answer to Question 12 is yes, then answer Question 13. If you answered

no, go to Section D, and recommence at Question 19.”

       Question 19 concerned the Hudacks’ private nuisance cause of action. The jury

marked the “no” option for Question No. 12, and therefore skipped over the other

questions concerning the nuisance per se cause of action, such as, “Did this condition

interfere with the Hudacks’ use or enjoyment of their land?”

       In the Hudacks’ motion for new trial, they argued, “the jury was improperly

allowed to second guess the portion of the judgment in this case finding that Siggard’s

grading violated [County] Ordinance 457,” which concerns grading. The Hudacks

argued the violation of the ordinance was res judicata or law of the case, due to Judge

Cahraman’s writ ruling. The Hudacks asserted Judge Cahraman’s ruling granting the

                                           47
writ was “fully conclusive” on the finding that Siggard violated County’s ordinance

because, “Siggard had no grading permits and did not have a valid exemption.”

       Judge Holmes ruled on the motion for new trial: “Judge Cahraman’s writ of

mandate was directed to the County of Riverside based on what he found to be its

violation of the California Environmental Quality Act. He did not find that Siggard’s

grading violated [County] Ordinance 457, and there was conflicting evidence presented

on that point.”

               2.      ANALYSIS

       We are now addressing the lawsuit wherein the Hudacks were suing Siggard and

Contractor. The Hudacks contend a new trial is necessary because the jury should not

have been permitted to consider the question of whether Siggard violated County

Ordinance No. 457, because that issue was settled by Judge Cahraman’s writ ruling and

therefore principles of res judicata applied to the finding. Siggard asserts the Hudacks

have waived this contention because they did not object to the special verdict form on

this basis at trial court.

       We agree with Siggard that the issue was waived due to the Hudacks’ failure to

object. Since the special verdict form was prepared jointly by the trial attorneys it could

also fall within the doctrine of invited error. (Transport Ins. Co. v. TIG Ins. Co. (2012)

202 Cal.App.4th 984, 1000.) As to the waiver issue, the relevant rule is: “‘An appellate

court will not consider procedural defects or erroneous rulings where an objection could

have been but was not, raised in the court below.’ [Citation.] It is unfair to the trial

judge and to the adverse party to take advantage of an alleged error on appeal where it

                                             48
could easily have been corrected at trial. [Citations.]” (Children’s Hosp. and Medical

Center v. Bonta (2002) 97 Cal.App.4th 740, 776-777.)

       In this case, the trial court asked the attorneys to inform the court if the special

verdict form was inadequate. The trial court also listened to objections to the special

verdict form. The Hudacks did not object on the basis raised here. The issue could have

been easily resolved by removing or redacting the question from the special verdict

form. Since the Hudacks waited until after trial to raise this verdict form issue, we

deem the issue to be waived.

       The Hudacks assert they did not waive this issue because they raised it after trial,

in their motion for a new trial. For the sake of thoroughness, we will address the merits

of the Hudacks’ contention. However, we must address one more procedural problem,

which is that the Hudacks have not provided any law to support to their argument. The

Hudacks use the legal terms “res judicata” and “law of the case,” so we infer those are

the legal theories on which their contention is based.

       “‘Res judicata’ describes the preclusive effect of a final judgment on the merits.

Res judicata, or claim preclusion, prevents relitigation of the same cause of action in a

second suit between the same parties or parties in privity with them.” (Mycogen Corp.

v. Monsanto Co. (2002) 28 Cal.4th 888, 896.) Judge Cahraman’s ruling concerned the

cause of action for an alleged CEQA violation. The jury question pertained to a cause

of action for nuisance per se. Since the same cause of action was not being relitigated,

we conclude the Hudacks’ reliance on the doctrine of res judicata is not persuasive.

                                             49
       “The law of the case doctrine states that when, in deciding an appeal, an

appellate court ‘states in its opinion a principle or rule of law necessary to the decision,

that principle or rule becomes the law of the case and must be adhered to throughout its

subsequent progress, both in the lower court and upon subsequent appeal . . . , and this

although in its subsequent consideration this court may be clearly of the opinion that the

former decision is erroneous in that particular.’ [Citations.]” (Kowis v. Howard (1992)

3 Cal.4th 888, 892-893.) The Hudacks’ contention concerns an alleged trial court

finding, not a case or statute that was misinterpreted. Accordingly, the Hudacks’

reliance on the law of the case doctrine is not persuasive.

       Although not mentioned in the Hudacks’ appellants’ opening brief, we infer they

perhaps meant to rely on the law of collateral estoppel/issue preclusion, which

“‘precludes relitigation of issues argued and decided in prior proceedings.’ [Citation.]”

(Mycogen Corp. v. Monsanto Co., supra, 28 Cal.4th at p. 896.) The Hudacks raise the

following reasoning in support of their argument: “Judge Cahraman necessarily found

that Siggard violated [County] Ordinance 457 because his exemption was invalid.”

       In Judge Cahraman’s writ ruling, he directed County to invalidate Siggard’s

agricultural exemption, which would have the direct result of stopping Siggard’s project

from going forward. Judge Cahraman’s reason for this order was that a proper CEQA

analysis had not been performed. Judge Cahraman’s decision was not based upon a

finding that Siggard had exceeded the scope of his agricultural exemption or otherwise

violated the administrative grading permit process of County Ordinance No. 457. The

reason for invalidating the exemption was to stop the grading from taking place in order

                                             50
to prevent the CEQA violation from continually compounding—not because the court

found a County ordinance was being violated.

       We note that County Ordinance No. 457.103 amended Section 3309.1 of the

Uniform Building Code to reflect, “Unless exempted by the California Environmental

Quality Act of 1970, no application for a permit for grading shall be accepted unless

accompanied by a completed Environmental Assessment Form, and no grading permit

shall be issued thereon until all procedures under those rules including the preparation

of a final Environmental Impact Report, if required, have been completed.” (Riverside

County Ordinance No. 457.103, § 4(J)(5).)7 However, there is nothing indicating the

trial court’s decision was based on this County amendment. Rather, as set forth ante, it

appears the trial court’s decision was based on state laws (not a local ordinance), as it is

the Public Resources Code and Code of Regulations that are heavily cited in the

“Reasons” section of the trial court’s ruling. The County Ordinance is cited only to

discuss the discretionary versus ministerial nature of granting an agricultural exemption.

Since the issue of whether Siggard had violated County Ordinance No. 457 had not

been decided by Judge Cahraman’s writ ruling, we find no error in the verdict form.

       C.      JURY INSTRUCTION

               1.     PROCEDURAL HISTORY

       During closing arguments, McKellogg argued Siggard created a nuisance by

damming the spring that gave water to the oak trees on the Hudacks’ property, creating

       7   http://www.clerkoftheboard.co.riverside.ca.us/ords/400/457.pdf, as of October
9, 2013.

                                             51
dust that entered the Hudacks’ property, and causing there to be noise on the Hudacks’

property.

       The trial court ordered the parties to work together to create jury instructions.

The parties submitted proposed instructions. The parties and trial court discussed the

proposed instructions. During the discussion the trial court talked about California Civil

Jury Instruction No. 2021, which sets forth the elements of nuisance. The trial court

suggested different wording for one of the elements saying, “I think that should be

‘one’s conduct was a substantial factor in causing the other’s harm.’” Rossell

responded, “Sure.” The trial court also suggested changing the wording in the

instruction’s introduction. The introduction was meant to let the jury know Siggard and

the Hudacks both had private nuisance causes of action, so the instruction pertained to

both parties’ claims. The trial court said, “Let’s say it better. Let’s just say as to [the

Hudacks] and as to Siggard. Does that do it?” Rossell responded, “I believe so.” The

trial court said, “2021 is in.”

       On July 19, the trial court and the parties finalized the instructions. During that

conversation, the parties and court discussed the instruction pertaining to economic

damages. (CACI No. 3903.)

       California Civil Jury Instruction No. 2021, as given in this case, read: “The

Hudacks and Wayne Siggard claim that the other interfered with their use and

enjoyment of their land. To establish this claim, each must prove all of the following:

       “1. That the one owned the property;

                                             52
       “2. That the other, by acting or failing to act, created a condition that was an

obstruction to the free use of property, so as to interfere with the comfortable enjoyment

of life or property;

       “3. That this condition interfered with the other’s use or enjoyment of their land;

       “4. That the one did not consent to the other’s conduct;

       “5. That an ordinary person would be reasonably annoyed or disturbed by the

other’s conduct;

       “6. That the Hudacks were, or [] Siggard was, harmed;

       “7. That the one’s conduct was a substantial factor in causing the other’s harm;

and

       “8. That the seriousness of the harm outweighs the public benefit of the

offender’s conduct.”

       As set forth ante, the trial court also directed the parties to submit a joint special

verdict form. The discussions about the special verdict form are described ante. Of

note, the trial court told the trial attorneys when discussing the special verdict form,

“[I]f it turns out not to be adequate on your cross-complaint or on the complaint, let me

know with a short submittal. I don’t care what form you use. Individually. I’m not

asking you to do this as a joint, but if there’s something more in the case than is

reflected here in the titles, let me know. This will be easier for me than using the

complaint and trying to figure out what’s left in the complaint.”

       The special verdict form for the Hudacks’ private nuisance cause of action read:

                                             53
       “19. Did Siggard, by acting or failing to act, create a condition that was harmful

to health?

       “____ Yes ____ No

       “If your answer to Question 19 is yes, then answer Question 20. If you answered

no, go to Section E and recommence at Question 27.” Question 27 concerned the

Hudacks’ cause of action for negligence. The jury marked the “no” option on Question

19, and therefore did not answer the remaining questions concerning the Hudacks’

private nuisance cause of action.

       In the Hudacks’ motion for new trial, they asserted there was a “fatal

inconsistency between [an] instruction and [the] special verdict” form. The Hudacks

pointed out that the private nuisance instruction defined a nuisance as occurring if the

Hudacks or Siggard interfered with one another’s “comfortable enjoyment of life or

property,” while the special verdict form asked the jury whether Siggard’s interference

created a condition that was harmful to the Hudacks’ health. The Hudacks argued that

their private nuisance cause of action “was not premised on a contention that Siggard

created a condition that was harmful to their health,” and the jury was not instructed on

the health issue, so therefore the “inconsistency renders the verdict ‘against law’ and

mandates a new trial against Siggard.”

       Judge Holmes ruled on the motion for new trial. In the trial court’s ruling it

wrote: “Based on all the evidence presented to the jury over the weeks of trial, it could

well have heeded CACI 2021 [the private nuisance jury instruction] and still rendered

its same verdict. Further, all counsel approved both the instruction and the special

                                            54
verdict form, and no objection was made when the verdict was read out by the

courtroom assistant.” The trial court denied the motion for a new trial.

              2.     ANALYSIS

       The Hudacks contend the trial court erred by denying their motion for a new trial

because the special verdict form pertaining to the nuisance cause of action asked the

jury if Siggard created a condition that was harmful to health, when (1) the jury was not

instructed about a condition pertaining to health, and (2) the Hudacks’ did not proceed

on a theory of the alleged condition being harmful to health.8

       A verdict may be vacated and a new trial granted if “the verdict or other decision

is against law.” (Code Civ. Proc., § 657.) “The jury’s verdict [is] ‘against law’ only if it

[is] ‘unsupported by any substantial evidence, i.e., [if] the entire evidence [is] such as

would justify a directed verdict against the part[y] in whose favor the verdict [was]

returned.’ [Citations.]” (Sanchez-Corea v. Bank of America (1985) 38 Cal.3d 892, 906,

italics added; Oakland Raiders v. National Football League (2007) 41 Cal.4th 624, 638

[“In this context, a verdict is ‘against law’ only if it was unsupported by substantial

evidence”]; Musgrove v. Ambrose Properties (1978) 87 Cal.App.3d 44, 56 [“The

granting of a new trial on the ground that the verdict is against law is authorized only

where there is no substantial evidence to sustain the verdict”].)

       8  Siggard asserts the Hudacks forfeited this argument by not objecting during the
trial and by participating in the drafting of the jury instructions and special verdict form.
We choose to address the merits of the Hudacks’ argument.

                                             55
          The Hudacks do not present this court with a substantial evidence argument.

Rather, they argue about how the language of the jury instruction does not match the

language of the special verdict form. The Hudacks assert that since the language does

not match the “inconsistency renders the verdict ‘against law’ and mandates a new

trial.”

          We must follow the definition of “against law” set forth by our Supreme Court.

(Auto Equity Sales, Inc. v. Superior Court of Santa Clara County (1962) 57 Cal.2d 450,

456.) As set forth ante, our Supreme Court has set forth the rule that a verdict is against

the law “only if it [is] ‘unsupported by any substantial evidence” (Sanchez-Corea v.

Bank of America, supra, 38 Cal.3d at p. 906, italics added.) As a result, we would need

to be presented with a substantial evidence argument in order to properly consider this

issue. Since a substantial evidence argument was not presented, we find the Hudacks’

argument to be unpersuasive.

          D.     “OTHER REMEDIES” MOTION

                 1.     PROCEDURAL HISTORY

          The Hudacks filed their original complaint, initiating the instant case, on May 25,

2006. County was among the named defendants. The causes of action included a

CEQA violation. The CEQA cause of action included allegations that all the defendants

“should have required an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)” for the grading work

done on Siggard’s property. The Hudacks requested a “[w]rit of mandamus to require

the defendants to recognize that the defendants [sic] grading project is subject to CEQA

                                              56
and to require said defendants to comply with the CEQA act [sic] and prepare an

Environmental Impact Report.”

       Judge Cahraman granted the writ. The writ directed County to “vacate and set

aside its approval of the agricultural exemption to the permit requirements; and (2) take

such action as may be necessary to bring the project into compliance with [CEQA],

sections 21000, et seq., of the Public Resources Code.”

       The Hudacks filed a motion requesting a hearing on the additional remedies

requested in their second amended complaint concerning the alleged CEQA violation.

County was named a defendant in the second amended complaint. In addition to the

writ, the Hudacks requested Siggard (1) be required to restore his property to the

condition it was in prior to his grading activity; and (2) “be prohibited from seeking any

discretionary land use approval for the Property for a period of five (5) years.”

       County’s return to the writ of mandate reflected (1) County invalidated Siggard’s

agricultural grading exemption; and (2) an additional return to the writ would be filed if

Siggard applied for another grading permit or agricultural exemption and County’s

building department approved the permit or exemption. Judge Cahraman held a hearing

on the Hudacks “additional remedies” motion.

       The trial court denied, without prejudice, the Hudacks’ request to preclude

Siggard from obtaining land use approvals. On February 7, 2008, the trial court

appointed a referee. The trial court ordered the following factual question be resolved:

“What remedial action, if any, should [] Siggard be required to perform with regard to

the changes he made to his land? The analysis should be based on the environmental

                                            57
damage done and its effect on the Hudacks, if any.” The trial court ordered Siggard and

the Hudacks equally share the cost of the referee.

       In September 2009, Siggard demurred to the Hudacks’ fifth amended complaint.

County was not named as a defendant in the fifth amended complaint. In the demurrer,

it was argued that CEQA “does not specifically authorize an injunction in order for a

property owner to return [a] property to a pre-graded state.” In other words, the remedy

the Hudacks were seeking did not comport with the CEQA cause of action. Siggard

asserted the appropriate action under CEQA was for County to conduct an

environmental review.

       Judge Schwartz ruled on the demurrer. County was not present at the demurrer

hearing—County was no longer a defendant in the case. The trial court concluded

CEQA did not grant the court authority to issue an injunction ordering Siggard to return

the property to its pregraded condition. The trial court reviewed the referee’s report and

noted that restoration of the property was never found to be required by CEQA in that

an environmental impact report was never prepared. The court concluded it had the

authority to stop the grading, but ordering restoration would be problematic because it

would be a second project occurring on the property without an environmental impact

report. The court held the proper remedy would be “to remand the project back to the

lead agency to conduct the appropriate review.” The trial court sustained the demurrer

to the Hudacks’ CEQA cause of action without leave to amend. The trial court also

vacated the scheduled hearing to consider the referee’s findings.

                                           58
              2.     ANALYSIS

                     (a)    Contentions

       We now turn to the demurrer proceeding between the Hudacks and Siggard.

Under a single heading, the Hudacks assert the following: “Judge Schwartz’s ruling

must be reversed to the extent it held that County fully complied with the writ of

mandate solely by vacating the agricultural exemption. That ruling must also be

reversed to the extent that it rejected the referee’s recommendations in total and

dismissed all further CEQA proceedings. County should be ordered to prepare an EIR

and assess the impact of the referee’s recommendations.” In a footnote, the Hudacks

contend “[o]rdering an EIR here will not be a hollow gesture. The environmental

effects of Siggard’s improper grading have never been fully assessed. In addition, the

trial court at the end of the case rejected the Hudacks’ claim for substantial attorneys’

fees incurred in the CEQA proceedings on the theory that no significant public benefit

was achieved. [Citation.] Such a public benefit could well have been achieved if the

County had been required to bring the project into compliance with CEQA.” (Cal.

Rules of Court, rule 8.204(a)(1)(B) [separate headings].)

       The County asserts the attorneys’ fees ruling may be appealable, but Judge

Schwartz’s ruling cannot be included in the Hudacks’ appeal because “lack of notice of

any contempt proceedings, the referee appointment was directed at enforcement as to

parties other than the County, lack of an appealable written order, lack of compliance

with notice of appeal requirements, or untimeliness.”

                                            59
                     (b)    Writ of Mandate

       We address the Hudacks’ contentions in turn. First, the Hudacks’ assert, “Judge

Schwartz’s ruling must be reversed to the extent it held that the County fully complied

with the writ of mandate solely by vacating the agricultural exemption.” Judge

Schwartz ruled on a demurrer to a complaint in which the County was not a named as a

defendant. The County was not present at the demurrer hearing. In no manner could

Judge Schwartz’s ruling be interpreted as ruling on a writ of mandate involving the

County, because (1) Judge Schwartz said at the hearing, “The matter is on calendar this

morning for a demurrer to the fifth amended complaint”; and (2) the County was not at

the hearing. (Redevelopment Agency v. Tobriner (1989) 215 Cal.App.3d 1087, 1095

[discussing due process and parties being present at hearings].)

       At the demurrer hearing, Judge Schwartz vacated the scheduled hearing to

consider the referee’s findings. The referee’s report grew out of the Hudacks’ motion

for “additional remedies.” It appears only Siggard and the Hudacks participated in the

referee’s hearing. Thus, it does not appear Judge Schwartz’s order vacating the

scheduled hearing could be construed as holding the County fully complied with the

writ of mandate, because (1) it did not involve a writ of mandate, and (2) it did not

involve the County. Accordingly, we reject the Hudacks’ premise that Judge

Schwartz’s ruling could be construed as holding that the County fully complied with the

writ of mandate.

                                            60
                     (c)    Demurrer

       Second, we address the Hudacks’ contention that Judge Schwartz’s “ruling must

also be reversed to the extent that it rejected the referee’s recommendations in total and

dismissed all further CEQA proceedings.” Judge Schwartz sustained Siggard’s

demurrer to the Hudacks’ CEQA cause of action without leave to amend. Notice of the

ruling on the demurrer was filed on October 30, 2009. To the extent the Hudacks’

wanted to appeal Judge Schwartz’s ruling sustaining the demurrer without leave to

amend, they needed to obtain a judgment of dismissal pertaining to the order sustaining

the demurrer and appeal from that judgment. (Singhania v. Uttarwar (2006) 136

Cal.App.4th 416, 425.) In other words, a judgment of dismissal is needed.

       It appears from the record that a judgment of dismissal was not entered. The

only documents reflecting the demurrer ruling are the (1) reporter’s transcript, and

(2) register of actions. The Hudacks do cite to a location in the record where judgment

was entered pertaining to the demurrer. The demurrer is not mentioned in the final

judgment following the jury trial. Moreover, contrary to the point the Hudacks are

attempting to assert, i.e. that there was an error concerning the CEQA claim, the final

judgment following the jury trial reflects the Hudacks “prevailed on the first cause of

action in their complaint,” which is the CEQA cause of action. The demurrer ruling is

not included in the Hudacks’ notice of appeal.

       Since (1) there does not appear to be a judgment of dismissal pertaining to the

demurrer, and (2) the judgment following the jury trial reflects the Hudacks prevailed

on their CEQA cause of action, we lack an appealable judgment in the record pertaining

                                            61
to the demurrer. (See Shepardson v. McLellan (1963) 59 Cal.2d 83, 87-88 [“No

mention is made in the judgment entered on the jury verdict of the order sustaining the

demurrer. Thus it was incomplete. Had it contained a judgment of dismissal in

reference to the order sustaining the demurrer then it would have been reviewable on an

appeal from that judgment”].)

       The Hudacks describe the ruling at the demurrer hearing as an interlocutory order

from which they could not have appealed until the final judgment following the jury’s

verdict. The Hudacks are correct that an order sustaining a demurrer is an interlocutory

order. (Forsyth v. Jones (1997) 57 Cal.App.4th 776, 780 [Fourth Dist., Div. Two].)

However, the Hudacks are skipping over the step that a judgment of dismissal is needed

in order to pursue issues with the demurrer on appeal. As explained ante, there is not a

judgment of dismissal in the record, and the judgment following the jury’s verdict

reflects the Hudacks prevailed on the CEQA cause of action—the demurrer is not

mentioned. Therefore, we do not have a judgment pertaining to the demurrer—the

judgment is incomplete. (See Shepardson v. McLellan, supra, 59 Cal.2d at pp. 87-88.)

       For the sake of addressing the Hudacks’ contention, we will deem the final

judgment following the jury verdict as reflecting that the demurrer to the first cause of

action was sustained without leave to amend, and thus the first cause of action was

dismissed, although the Hudacks did prevail on the writ of mandate pertaining to the

first cause of action, prior to the sustaining of the demurrer. Accordingly, we address

the Hudacks’ assertion that Judge Schwartz’s “ruling must also be reversed to the extent

                                            62
that it rejected the referee’s recommendations in total and dismissed all further CEQA

proceedings.”

       Judge Schwartz vacated a hearing concerning the referee’s report because he

sustained Siggard’s demurrer to the first cause of action. The only parties that

participated in the referee’s hearing were Siggard and the Hudacks. Thus, procedurally,

there was nothing to consider in regard to the referee’s report because the cause of

action, as between those two parties had ended. Judge Schwartz did not rule on the

merits of the referee’s report, he vacated a scheduled hearing date.

       As to dismissing the CEQA cause of action, the Hudacks failed to name the

County as a party in the fifth amended complaint. The only parties named as defendants

in the CEQA cause of action were Siggard and the Ochoas. Judge Schwartz stated in

his ruling that the proper remedy in the CEQA cause of action would be “to remand the

project back to the lead agency to conduct the appropriate review.” The Hudacks also

prevailed against the County in their writ of mandate on the CEQA cause of action.

Thus, Judge Schwartz did not dismiss all further CEQA proceedings; rather, it was the

Hudacks who chose not to name the County as a defendant in the CEQA cause of action

despite having prevailed against the County in a writ petition. In sum, we are not

persuaded the trial court erred, because it was the Hudacks’ choice to not name the

County as a defendant in the CEQA cause of action.

                     (d)    Attorneys’ Fees

       Third, the Hudacks contend “the trial court at the end of the case rejected the

Hudacks’ claim for substantial attorneys’ fees incurred in the CEQA proceedings on the

                                            63
theory that no significant public benefit was achieved. [Citation.] Such a public benefit

could well have been achieved if the County had been required to bring the project into

compliance with CEQA.”

        The Hudacks raise the foregoing contention in a footnote. There are no legal

citations included in the footnote. The Hudacks sought attorneys’ fees in the trial court

pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 1021.5. The person seeking an award of

attorneys’ fees bears the burden “to establish each prerequisite to an award of attorney

fees under [Code of Civil Procedure] section 1021.5. [Citation.]” (Ebbetts Pass Forest

Watch v. California Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection (2010) 187 Cal.App.4th 376,

381.)

        This court is not inclined to act as cocounsel for the Hudacks’ appellate attorney,

and furnish meaningful legal arguments concerning how the trial court’s ruling on the

attorneys’ fees motion may have constituted error. (Doe v. Lincoln Unified School Dist.

(2010) 188 Cal.App.4th 758, 767.) The failure to provide a meaningful legal argument

will forfeit the issue on appeal. (Los Angeles Unified School Dist. v. Casasola (2010)

187 Cal.App.4th 189, 212.) Since the Hudacks do not provide legal citations or

meaningful analysis to support the attorneys’ fees contention, we deem the issue to be

forfeited.

                                            III.

                     THE HUDACKS AND THE ASSOCIATION

        In this section of the opinion, we address the issues pertaining to the Hudacks

and the Association.

                                             64
                    FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

       In 2001, Larry and two other homeowners filed complaints with the Association

against Siggard. Larry complained Siggard was grading without a permit, building

residential pads, creating roads, and affecting a stream. Complaints were also filed with

the County. The Association sent Siggard a letter “requesting he cease and desist from

performing all work in violation of the Declaration of Restrictions for La Cresta.”

Siggard replied to the letter “asserting he had made no improvements to the lot.” In

August 2001, the Association sent Siggard a letter reflecting that it concluded he had

not committed any violations because he was “not grading in preparation to build a

structure.” In that letter, the Association cautioned Siggard that he could potentially

violate the CC&Rs concerning drainage if he performed erosion control work.

       In 2003, Siggard applied to the Association for approval to construct a bridge,

entry gate, and wall, and to grade the property. The Association denied the request to

build a gate and wall, but approved the requests for the bridge and grading “on the

condition that the property owner obtain any County permits as required.”

       In February 2006, Siggard sent the Association a letter reflecting “he anticipated

receiving a County permit shortly on plans that were substantially the same as those

approved on March 15, 2003.” In February 2006, the Association granted Siggard an

extension on the bridge and grading plans, thus permitting him to grade his property and

construct a bridge, but again with the condition that Siggard “obtain any County permits

that are required.” In March 2006, Siggard obtained his agricultural exemption. On

                                            65
approximately March 25, Siggard submitted his agricultural permit exemption and maps

of his grading plans to the Association.

       On April 25, 2006, Contractor began grading Siggard’s property. Siggard told

Contractor to make the roads “accessible,” ideally under a 15 percent hill grade.

Contractor used a bulldozer to perform the grading work. On approximately May 1,

2006, Larry saw “a really steep cut along [his] property line.” Larry instructed

Marianne to contact the Chairperson of the Association’s Architectural Committee to

determine if Siggard had permits and permission to be performing grading work. The

Chairperson of the Architectural Committee assured the Hudacks that Siggard had

permits and the Committee’s approval to perform the grading work.

       On May 17, the water in Bear Creek stopped flowing. At that point, the Hudacks

questioned the information given to them by the Chairperson. Larry contacted County’s

Code Enforcement Unit to determine if Siggard had grading permits. Larry discovered

no grading permits had been issued to Siggard. Larry contacted the president of the

Board and asked him to look at Siggard’s property because Larry believed Siggard was

violating the bylaws by damming Bear Creek.

       On May 17, the Board’s president looked at Siggard’s property from the property

line Siggard shared with the Hudacks. Larry complained that (1) the grading was

moving rocks and dirt on to the Hudacks’ property, (2) Bear Creek had been disturbed,

and (3) a spring that fed oak trees on the Hudacks’ property had been rerouted. It

appeared to the Board president that “there was debris” on the Hudacks’ property and

there had been “some disruption” to Bear Creek. The Board president could not

                                           66
ascertain if the spring had been rerouted. The Board president said “he would see to it

that a cease and desist [letter] would be issued” to Siggard.

       The Association’s attorneys sent a letter to Siggard on May 18. The letter asked

Siggard to cease and desist from grading his property because Siggard did not have a

grading permit. The letter warned that the Association could file legal action, such as

an injunction, against Siggard if he did not stop grading his property. In response to the

letter, Siggard called the Board’s president, but he would not take Siggard’s call. Thus,

Siggard sent a letter to the Association’s attorney. Siggard wrote that the Association’s

facts were incorrect, but even if they were correct, the Association failed to state facts

sufficient to support a cause of action. In a telephone conversation with the

Association’s attorney, Siggard referred the attorney to the agricultural grading permit

he filed with the Association’s management office.

       On May 20, 2006, Larry wrote a letter to the Board’s president. In the letter,

Larry accused Siggard of grading “directly into Bear Creek.” Larry theorized that

Siggard was using “an agricultural exemption as a ruse or cover story to accomplish

land clearing and massive earth movement that would enable him to more favorably

present and sell his 10 acre parcel.” Larry noted that “Siggard had an Agricultural

Exemption and [the County could] not shut him down,” but Larry also concluded

“Siggard had No PERMITS.”

       In the letter, Larry faulted the Association for approving Siggard’s grading plans

without evidence Siggard had “appropriate county permits.” Larry asserted Siggard’s

“grading caused a material and substantial loss of property value for [the Hudacks’]

                                             67
adjoining parcels.” Larry believed (1) the oak trees on his property would die due to a

lack of water from the spring; (2) mud would move onto his property when it rained

from the soft dirt piled “within inches” of the Hudacks’ property; and (3) the Hudacks’

property would flood when it rained due to the damming of Bear Creek. Larry wrote

the Association “must consider that [it] will either be a co-defendant or a plaintiff in this

case . . . there is no middle ground.”

       The Board concluded that they would be named in the lawsuit “one way or

another,” so it decided not to take any particular action since the dispute concerned two

property owners within the Association. The Association did not file for an injunction.

All of Siggard’s significant grading work was completed in May. The Association

believed it satisfied any obligations it had in the situation when it sent Siggard the cease

and desist letter. When the Board informed Larry that it would not be joining him as a

plaintiff against Siggard, Larry replied, “The gloves are off. We’ll see you in court.”

       The Association was not named as a defendant in the Hudacks’ original

complaint; however, the Association was named as a defendant in the Hudacks’ second

amended complaint. The Hudacks sued the Association for (1) violating CEQA;

(2) breach of fiduciary duty; (3) breach of contract by failing to enforce the CC&Rs;

and (4) negligence by failing to enforce the CC&Rs.

       The Hudacks’ claims rested on the “Accelerated Enforcement” section of the

Association’s Policies and Procedures. The “Accelerated Enforcement” section

provides: “Some violations are of such a character that the routine enforcement

procedure is inadequate to protect the Association and property owners because of time

                                             68
delays. In these cases a cease and desist injunction will be sought immediately. [¶]

Building or erecting any structure or doing any grading without prior Architectural

Committee approval as provided for in Section II of the CC&Rs, is automatically

considered of this character.”

       The Association demurred to the Hudacks’ second amended complaint. As to

the CEQA cause of action, the Association asserted CEQA did not apply to private

parties such as a homeowners’ association. In regard to the contract claims, the

Association asserted the demurrer should be sustained because the Hudacks failed to

cite a provision in the CC&Rs that required the Association to seek an injunction

against a homeowner. The Association asserted the “Accelerated Enforcement” section,

relied upon by the Hudacks, and was part of the Association’s “Policies and

Procedures”— not part of the CC&Rs. Therefore, the Association reasoned there could

not have been a breach of the CC&Rs. Judge Cahraman sustained the demurrer,

without leave to amend, as to the CEQA cause of action and the breach of contract

cause of action.

       On October 24, 2008, the Hudacks filed their fourth amended complaint. The

Hudacks sued the Association for (1) negligence, for not inquiring into the “true facts

and circumstances surrounding [Siggard’s] permits and authorizations”; (2) negligent

misrepresentation, in that the Association told the Hudacks that Siggard had obtained

permits for grading his property; (3) fraud and deceit, in that the Association told the

Hudacks Siggard had obtained permits for grading his property; and (4) breach of

fiduciary duty by (a) authorizing Siggard’s grading, (b) not enforcing the CC&Rs,

                                            69
(c) spending Association funds on horse trails, (d) entering into easement agreements,

(e) levying and collecting unreasonable assessments, (f) failing to take legal action

against seven other property owners in La Cresta, (g) spending Association funds on an

entrance gate; (h) preparing and distributing financial statements that were false and

misleading; and (i) claiming that the Architectural Committee’s meeting minutes were

private documents.

       Additionally, in the fourth amended complaint, the Hudacks requested

(1) declaratory relief, specifically that the Association’s governing documents be

declared enforceable as interpreted by the Hudacks; (2) injunctive relief, specifically

that the Association be required to enforce the Association’s governing documents

pertaining to Siggard’s property, the entry gate, the horse trails, and the spending of

Association funds; and (3) the cancellation of written instruments, specifically the

cancellation of easements granted for the purposes of pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian

trails in La Cresta.

       The Association moved for summary adjudication on the Hudacks’ claims for

(1) declaratory relief, (2) injunctive relief, (3) cancellation of written instruments, and

(4) breach of fiduciary duty. On September 25, 2009, Judge Schwartz granted the

Association’s motion for summary adjudication as to all four claims.

       A month earlier, on August 6, 2009, the Hudacks filed their fifth amended

complaint. The fifth amended complaint included the same causes of action against the

Association for (1) breach of fiduciary duty, (2) negligent misrepresentation, (3) fraud

and deceit, (4) declaratory relief, (5) injunctive relief, and (6) cancellation of written

                                             70
instruments. Thus, when the court issued its ruling, it pertained to the fifth amended

complaint, which was operative at the time of the hearing on the motion.

       The jury found (1) the Association was not negligent; (2) the Association did not

make a false representation of important fact to the Hudacks; (3) the Association did not

intentionally fail to disclose an important fact that the Hudacks were unaware of and

could not reasonably have discovered; and (4) the Association did not engage in the

alleged conduct with malice, oppression, or fraud.

       The Association moved for an award of attorneys’ fees and costs. The

Association’s motion was based upon section 1354, which permits the prevailing party

to collect attorneys’ fees and costs in an action to enforce the governing documents of a

homeowners’ association. (§§ 1351, subd. (a), 1354.) The trial court awarded the

Association attorneys’ fees. The record is unclear, but it appears the fee award was

approximately $600,000.

                                     DISCUSSION

       A.     BREACH OF CONTRACT

              1.     PROCEDURAL HISTORY

       In the Hudacks’ second amended complaint they cited Section IV(j) of the

CC&Rs, which reflects, “Natural surface drainage shall be maintained and no

obstruction diversion or confining of the existing channels through which surface water

naturally flows upon and across the lot in time of storm shall be made so as to cause

damage to other properties.” The Hudacks asserted Siggard breached this section of the

CC&Rs by grading his property.

                                           71
       The Hudacks alleged the Association “materially breached the Contract by [(1)]

failing and refusing to utilize its power and authority to take reasonable action to

prevent Defendants from grading”; (2) not enforcing the CC&Rs; (3) not enforcing the

“Accelerated Enforcement” section of the Association’s “Policies and Procedures”; and

(4) not acting in good faith. The “Contract” was alleged to consist of “the CC&Rs, By-

Laws and Policies and Procedures” of the Association.

       In its demurrer, the Association argued, “The Second Amended Complaint fails

. . . to cite to any provision in the CC&Rs that requires the Association to file a lawsuit

to enjoin a homeowner’s alleged wrongful conduct.” The Association asserted it had no

duty under the CC&Rs to sue Siggard. The register of actions reflects the trial court

sustained the Association’s demurrer without leave to amend as to the CEQA and

breach of contract causes of action. The minute order in the register of actions does not

include reasons for the ruling. The reporter’s transcript does not include a transcript for

February 21, 2007—the day the court ruled on the demurrer to the second amended

complaint.

       However, the reporter’s transcript does include a record of the trial court’s ruling

on the Association’s demurrer to the Hudacks’ First Amended Complaint. When

discussing the Hudacks’ First Amended Complaint, the trial court said, “I can’t find a

covenant, a promise to do anything in particular to—to enforce the CC&Rs. I looked. I

looked at Paragraph 12 that you asked me to read in your paperwork, sir, and I read it.

I’m just not finding a covenant, a promise anywhere in that document that ‘we will do.’

Sure we have the power to do X, Y, and Z, but a promise that we must.”

                                             72
       Notice of the ruling on the demurrer to the Second Amended Complaint was

filed on February 27, 2007. It does not appear a judgment of dismissal was entered on

the demurrer. The demurrer is not mentioned in the judgment following the jury trial.

The demurrer is not included in the Hudacks’ notice of appeal. For the sake of

addressing the Hudacks’ appellate contentions, we will deem the judgment after the jury

verdict as including a judgment of dismissal for the demurrer to the second amended

complaint.

              2.     ANALYSIS

       The Hudacks contend the trial court erred by sustaining the Association’s

demurrer to the Hudacks’ breach of contract cause of action.

       “‘“A demurrer tests the legal sufficiency of the complaint . . . .” [Citations.] On

appeal from a dismissal after an order sustaining a demurrer, we review the order de

novo, exercising our independent judgment about whether the complaint states a cause

of action as a matter of law. [Citations.] We give the complaint a reasonable

interpretation, reading it as a whole and viewing its parts in context. [Citations.] We

deem to be true all material facts properly pled. [Citation.] We must also accept as true

those facts that may be implied or inferred from those expressly alleged. [Citation.] If

no liability exists as a matter of law, we must affirm that part of the judgment sustaining

the demurrer. [Citation.]’” (Balikov v. Southern California Gas Co. (2001) 94

Cal.App.4th 816, 819.)

       “A cause of action for breach of contract requires proof of the following

elements: (1) existence of the contract; (2) plaintiff’s performance or excuse for

                                            73
nonperformance; (3) defendant’s breach; and (4) damages to plaintiff as a result of the

breach. [Citation.]” (CDF Firefighters v. Maldonado (2008) 158 Cal.App.4th 1226,

1239.) “A contract is an agreement to do or not to do a certain thing.” (§ 1549.) “In a

bilateral contract, the promisor and promisee must exchange promises representing

binding legal obligations to render the contract enforceable.” (Larwin-Southern

California, Inc. v. JGB Investment Co. (1979) 101 Cal.App.3d 626, 637.)

       In the Hudacks’ second amended complaint, they allege CC&Rs, Bylaws, and

Policies and Procedures constitute a contract because they were “promulgated to

establish a general plan for the protection, maintenance, development and improvement

of La Cresta association and all the property owners owning separate interests therein,

including Hudack and Siggard.”

       CC&Rs are equitable servitudes, not contracts. (§ 1354, subd. (a); see also Treo

@ Kettner Homeowners Ass’n v. Superior Court (2008) 166 Cal.App.4th 1055, 1066

[CC&Rs have been construed as contracts to provide a means for analysis, but they are

actually equitable servitudes]; compare Pinnacle Museum Tower Assn. v. Pinnacle

Market Development (US), LLC (2012) 55 Cal.4th 223, 244-246 [distinguishing Treo

and explaining how an arbitration clause in CC&Rs could be considered to be a promise

and agreement].)

       A lawsuit can be based upon enforcing an association’s “governing documents.”

(§ 1354, subd. (c).) “‘Governing documents’ means the declaration and any other

documents, such as bylaws, operating rules of the association, articles of incorporation,

or articles of association, which govern the operation of the common interest

                                           74
development or association.” (§ 1351, subd. (j).) A “declaration” is a legal description

of the common interest development, and a statement that the common interest

development is a planned development or residential association. (§ 1353.) It is section

1354 that permits enforcement of these documents. (Villa De Las Palmas Homeowners

Assn. v. Terifaj (2004) 33 Cal.4th 73, 87-88.)

       The Hudacks have not explained how these documents are enforceable as

contracts. Perhaps a better cause of action would have been breach of an equitable

servitude, promissory estoppel, or enforcement of the governing documents. It is

unclear how the Association’s policies and procedures could be transformed into a

contract based upon the allegations in the second amended complaint.

       Nevertheless, if the policies and procedures could be construed as a contract, the

demurrer was still properly sustained. The policies and procedures section provides that

“a cease and desist injunction will be sought immediately” if “any grading [is done]

without prior Architectural Committee approval.” Siggard had approval from the

Architectural Committee. The Hudacks’ second amended complaint reflects, “Hudack

immediately placed a telephone call to Linda Bertorello, Chairperson of the

[Association’s] Architectural Committee, and asked whether or not Siggard had permits

for his grading and clearing work. Mrs. Bertorello told Hudack that Siggard’s grading

had been approved by the [Association’s] Architectural Committee, and that Siggard

had the necessary County permits.”

       Given the allegations in the second amended complaint, there was no breach of

contract, because the Association would have only been required to immediately seek

                                           75
an injunction if Siggard lacked approval from the Architectural Committee. As the

Hudacks concede in the complaint, Siggard had the necessary approval. As a result,

there could not have been a breach on the part of the Association.

       B.       BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY

                1.   PROCEDURAL HISTORY

       The Hudacks’ fourth amended complaint alleged the Association breached its

fiduciary duty by (a) authorizing Siggard’s grading, (b) not enforcing the CC&Rs,

(c) spending Association funds on horse trails, (d) entering into easement agreements,

(e) levying and collecting unreasonable assessments, (f) failing to take legal action

against seven other property owners in La Cresta, (g) spending Association funds on an

entrance gate; (h) preparing and distributing financial statements that were false and

misleading; and (i) claiming that the Architectural Committee’s meeting minutes were

private documents.

       Judge Schwartz granted the Association’s motion for summary adjudication as to

all four claims. At the hearing, the trial court noted more than one dispute was “often

argued within a single cause of action.” The court commented that “summary

adjudication did not necessarily apply to all [of the] issues within each cause of action,

which complicated it to some degree. But the Court does have discretion to grant

summary adjudication for the entire claim, or a portion of the claim, if it think[s] it’s

appropriate.”

       In regard to the fiduciary duty cause of action, and specifically the failure to sue

Siggard, the trial court stated that the Hudacks had the burden to show the Association’s

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Board “acted in bad faith, and not in a matter consistent with the interest of the

Association as whole.” The trial court concluded the Hudacks needed to show the

Association had an ongoing duty to monitor Siggard’s activities, in order for the breach

to have occurred as the Hudacks alleged. The trial court concluded the Hudacks failed

to show bad faith on the part of the Association. The trial court commented, “The

Homeowners Association had discretion as to how it was going to enforce the CC&Rs.

And its decision to attempt a cease and desist letter first is not evidence of any sort of

bad faith . . . .”

        In regard to the horse trail portion of the cause of action, the trial court stated that

it is undisputed that the CC&Rs and bylaws do not expressly authorize the Association

to establish horse trails, but there is also nothing prohibiting such activity. The trial

court concluded the maintenance of horse trails was “consistent with the general

purposes of the Homeowners Association,” and again emphasized that there was

nothing prohibiting such activity.

                2.    ANALYSIS

        The Hudacks contend the trial court erred by granting the Association’s motion

for summary adjudication on their breach of fiduciary duty cause of action.

Specifically, the Hudacks contend the trial court erred by interpreting the CC&Rs and

governing documents, because only a trier of fact should interpret the documents, since

there are conflicting interpretations. In the Hudacks’ appellants’ opening brief, they

write, “At the very least, a jury should have been allowed to decide whether the

requirement of seeking a cease and desist ‘injunction’ could be satisfied by merely

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writing a letter, contrary to the plain meaning of the policy.” Since the Hudacks focus

on the injunction portion of the cause of action, we will focus on that portion as well.

       “A trial court’s order granting a motion for summary adjudication is reviewed de

novo. [Citation.]” (Smith v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (2005) 135 Cal.App.4th 1463,

1471.) Summary adjudication must be denied if there is a triable issue of material fact.

(Everett v. Superior Court (2002) 104 Cal.App.4th 388, 392.)

       Summary adjudication was properly granted as to the Siggard “injunction issue”

because in the fifth amended complaint, the Hudacks again alleged the Association

approved Siggard’s grading activity. The Hudacks modified the allegation to reflect

that the Association abused its discretion in approving Siggard’s application, but

nonetheless alleged the planned grading was approved. As set forth ante, the policies

and procedures could be interpreted as requiring the Association to seek an injunction

when “grading [is done] without prior Architectural Committee approval.” Siggard had

the Committee’s approval as alleged in the fifth amended complaint. As a result, there

was not a material issue of fact and summary adjudication was properly granted,

because the Association was not obliged to seek an injunction even under the Hudacks’

interpretation of the policy.

       To the extent the Hudacks are focusing their arguments solely on the moments

after the Hudacks told the Association Siggard did not have the appropriate permits for

his grading work, we find that argument to be unpersuasive as well. In the Hudacks’

fifth amended complaint they alleged the following: “[A] member of the . . . Board . . .

informed Hudack that the [Association’s] legal counsel, Karen Kannen, had advised the

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[Board] that once the Architectural Committee has granted approval for a project, such

approval may not be withdrawn.” Thus, it appears from the pleading that the

Architectural Committee never rescinded its approval of Siggard’s project. As a result,

the condition upon which the Hudacks rely never came to pass, i.e., Siggard’s 2006

grading was done with prior Architectural Committee approval.

       C.     EVIDENTIARY RULING

              1.     PROCEDURAL HISTORY

       At the hearing on the Association’s motion for summary adjudication, Judge

Schwartz said the court’s tentative ruling was to “grant the motion for summary

adjudication as to the tenth cause of action for declaratory relief; as to the seventh cause

of action for breach of fiduciary duty; as to the eleventh cause of action for injunctive

relief; and as to the twelfth cause of action for cancellation of written instruments in

connection with the following two disputes: One, whether the Association breached a

fiduciary duty, or otherwise breached the CC&Rs, in connection with [] Siggard’s

grading activities, and whether the Homeowners Association breached a fiduciary duty,

and/or violated the governing documents when failing to file an immediate civil action

for injunctive relief upon learning that [] Siggard had not obtained the permits for

grading as required by [the] approval; two, whether the Association had authority, under

the CC&Rs, to establish and maintain interior horse trails in entering into agreements

with landowners for easements for the purpose of horse trails without amending the

CC&Rs to authorize the horse trails in the first place.”

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       At the end of the hearing, the trial court said, “So the Court’s indicated will be

the order of the Court, and summary adjudication [is] granted on the terms that the

Court has indicated previously.” The minute order from the hearing reflects, “Summary

adjudication is granted as [to the Association.] Summary adjudication is as to the 7th,

10th, 11th and 12th cause[s] of action.”

       In a proposed written order, the Association wrote that it prevailed on the entire

breach of fiduciary duty cause of action. The Hudacks objected to the proposed order.

The Hudacks asserted only two portions of the cause action were summarily

adjudicated—the portion concerning not seeking an injunction against Siggard, and the

portion concerning maintaining horse trails. The Hudacks argued that the other portions

of the fiduciary duty cause of action remained viable. The trial court rejected both

parties’ proposed orders and “indicate[d] the order is exactly what is stated within the

transcript regarding this order.”

       Judge Holmes presided over the motions in limine. The Association moved in

limine to “exclude evidence on previously summarily adjudicated issues.” Judge

Holmes summarized Judge Schwartz’s reasoning concerning bad faith and how nothing

prohibited the Association from maintaining the horse trails. Judge Holmes interpreted

Judge Schwartz’s order as concluding “no fiduciary duty was owed [to] association

member[s] by the board.” Judge Holmes concluded summary adjudication was granted

as to the breach of fiduciary duty “cause of action.” Judge Holmes granted the

Association’s motion in limine, saying, “So, I’ll grant the motion. And I’ve made—I’ve

                                            80
shortened this on a Post-It to say horse trails and gate actions and not suing Defendant

Siggard are already adjudicated.”

              2.     ANALYSIS

       The Hudacks contend Judge Holmes erred by misinterpreting Judge Schwartz’s

ruling. The Hudacks assert Judge Holmes incorrectly concluded Judge Schwartz

granted summary adjudication as to the entire breach of fiduciary duty cause of action,

when the ruling only pertained to suing Siggard and horse trails. The Hudacks note

“there were at least 15 other issues raised by the breach of fiduciary duty cause of

action.”

       The Hudacks’ argument is not persuasive because Judge Holmes stated expressly

on the record that Judge Schwartz’s summary adjudication ruling was limited to “horse

trails[, the] gate actions[,] and not suing Defendant Siggard.” The “gate actions” likely

should not have been included, but Judge Holmes did not conclude, as the Hudacks

assert, that the entire fiduciary duty cause of action was summarily adjudicated when

ruling on the motion in limine. Thus, the Hudacks’ contention is unpersuasive.

       D.     JURY INSTRUCTION

              1.     PROCEDURAL HISTORY

       In the Hudacks’ fifth amended complaint, they alleged the Association breached

its fiduciary duty by “fail[ing] to publish or distribute the necessary material by which

the membership may be informed of their review and of approval standards and

processes.” In other words, the Hudacks asserted the Association was not following its

                                            81
rules as published in the CC&Rs and governing documents, so the Association had an

obligation to provide documents reflecting the rules it was following.

       The trial court instructed the jury as follows: “The owner of an interest in real

property in a common interest development shall provide to the prospective purchaser

certain documents, including a copy of the governing documents of the common interest

development. This is an obligation of the seller, and there’s no obligation on the part of

the Association of the common interest development to provide any documents to a

prospective purchaser.”

              2.      ANALYSIS

       The Hudacks contend the trial court erred by instructing the jury that the

Association “had no obligation ‘to provide any documents to a prospective purchaser,’”

because (1) that “is not an accurate statement of the applicable law”; (2) the Hudacks

sued as owners, not prospective buyers; and (3) the instruction “misled the jury into

believing that [the Association] owned no duties to the Hudacks to deliver any

documents,” which the Hudacks assert led to the court effectively directing a verdict in

favor of the Association.

       We review the propriety of a jury instruction under the de novo standard. (Miller

v. Weitzen (2005) 133 Cal.App.4th 732, 736, fn. 3.) We begin with the contention that

the instruction is not an accurate statement of the law. Former section 1368, subdivision

(a), provided: “The owner of a separate interest . . . shall, as soon as practicable before

transfer of title to the separate interest or execution of a real property sales contract

therefor, as defined in section 2985, provide the following to the prospective

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purchaser:” a copy of the governing documents, and various other documents, such as

meeting minutes, if requested by the purchaser. (§ 1368, subd. (a) [eff. Jan. 2005].)

       The jury instruction accurately reflected the law of former section 1368,

subdivision (a), in that the statute required a property owner to give a prospective

purchaser certain documents pertaining to the relevant homeowners’ association, and

the instruction informed the jury of this exact rule.

       The instruction also informed the jury that an Association has no obligation to

provide any documents to a prospective purchaser. This is also an accurate reflection of

the law. Former section 1368, subdivision (b) provided, “Upon written request, an

association shall, within 10 days of the mailing or delivery of the request, provide the

owner of a separate interest with a copy of the requested items,” such as the governing

documents. The law reflects an association could be obligated to send the documents to

a property owner, but it does not mention a prospective purchaser, thus, the jury

instruction correctly reflected the law.

       The Hudacks assert the jury instruction did not accurately reflect the law because

it ignored the Association’s continuing duty to update the Hudacks about proposed rule

changes. (§ 1357.130.) The Hudacks’ argument is not persuasive because the jury

instruction does accurately reflect the law of section 1368. The fact that a different

statute that is not mentioned within the instruction does not make the instruction

inaccurate. The Hudacks may feel the overall package of instructions was incomplete

due to a failure to include an instruction on the law of section 1357.130, but that does

not mean the instruction concerning section 1368 presented the law incorrectly.

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       Next, we turn to the Hudacks’ contention that the trial court erred by instructing

the jury with the law of section 1368 because the Hudacks sued as property owners, not

prospective buyers. We agree. The Hudacks’ fifth amended complaint laments the lack

of “annual notice[s]” updating members of the Association on the Association’s

practices and procedures. Assuming the trial court erred by giving an irrelevant jury

instruction, we turn to the issue of prejudice. The Hudacks provide no argument

concerning the issue of prejudice. As a result, we conclude the issue has been forfeited.

(See Winfred D. v. Michelin North America, Inc. (2008) 165 Cal.App.4th 1011, 1038

[“‘“‘Prejudice is not presumed and the burden is on the appellant to show its

existence’”’”].)

       Lastly, we address the Hudacks’ argument that the trial court erred by instructing

the jury on the law of section 1368 because the instruction “misled the jury into

believing that [the Association] owned no duties to the Hudacks to deliver any

documents,” which the Hudacks assert led to the court effectively directing a verdict in

favor of the Association. As the Hudacks point out, they sued as property owners, not

prospective buyers. As a result, it is unlikely that the instruction misled the jury about

the Hudacks’ case, because it was fairly clear the instruction did not apply to the

Hudacks’ situation. In other words, rather than being misleading, the instruction was

                                            84
mostly irrelevant.9 Accordingly, we are not persuaded that the instruction misled the

jury.

        Nevertheless, assuming the instruction could be found to be misleading, we will

address the Hudacks’ concern that the trial court effectively directed a verdict for the

Association on this point. We disagree with the Hudacks’ argument because the breach

of fiduciary duty cause of action was not included on the verdict form. As a result, the

jury’s verdict could not have been directed, because there was no verdict.

                                       DISPOSITION

        The judgments are affirmed. Respondents (1) Wayne Siggard, (2) Monteleone

Contractors, Inc., (3) the County of Riverside, and (4) the La Cresta Property Owners

Association, are awarded their costs on appeal.

        NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS

                                                       MILLER
                                                                                           J.

We concur:

RICHLI
                       Acting P. J.

CODRINGTON
                                  J.

        9
       We theorize that a relevance argument could be made to the extent section
1368 may have applied when the Hudacks purchased Siggard’s former property.

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86