Wilson v. Autler CA4/2

• Court: California Court of Appeal
• Decided: November 17, 2014
• Docket: E057218
• Status: Unpublished

Opinion

Filed 11/17/14 Wilson v. Autler 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NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for publication or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 This opinion has not been certified for publication or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.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

LARRY WILSON,

Plaintiff and Respondent, E057218

v. (Super.Ct.No. RIC1108021)

CAROLE AUTLER et al., OPINION

Defendants and Appellants.

APPEAL from the Superior Court of Riverside County. Ronald L. Taylor, Judge.

(Retired judge of the Riverside Super. Ct. assigned by the Chief Justice pursuant to

art. VI, § 6 of the Cal. Const.). Affirmed as modified.

Carole Autler and Brent Autler, Defendants and Appellants in pro. per.

Law Office of Michael Geller and Michael S. Geller for Plaintiff and Respondent.

Larry Wilson has an express written easement over property owned by Carole

Autler for the purpose of access to his own property. For the last 18 years, Wilson and

1 Autler have been in more or less constant litigation over this easement. In February

2010, a trial court quieted title to the easement in Wilson. Nevertheless, by May 2011,

they were back in court when Wilson filed this action against Autler,1 asserting causes of

action for enforcement of the easement and for private nuisance. During a bench trial,

Autler admitted intentionally blocking the easement. The trial court entered judgment in

favor of Wilson and against Autler, awarding Wilson $18,600 in actual damages and

$50,000 in punitive damages and enjoining Autler from blocking the easement.

Autler appeals. She contends:

1. Wilson’s claims are barred by the statute of limitations.

2. Wilson’s claims are barred by res judicata.

3. Autler’s acts were done under authority of statute and therefore cannot be

found to be a private nuisance.

4. There was insufficient evidence of a private nuisance.

5. Wilson failed to mitigate damages.

6. There was insufficient evidence to support punitive damages.

7. There was no basis for attorney fees.

We do agree that there was insufficient evidence of Autler’s financial condition to

support the award of punitive damages. Otherwise, Autler has not shown any error.

1 Autler’s husband, Brent Autler, was also named as a defendant. However, he has no interest in the property subject to the easement. His only involvement consisted of allegedly helping Autler to block the easement. He has joined in Autler’s briefs. Accordingly, we will not discuss him separately from Autler.

2 Accordingly, we will strike the award of punitive damages, and we will affirm the

judgment as thus modified.

I

FACTUAL BACKGROUND

An appellant’s opening brief must “[p]rovide a summary of the significant facts

limited to matters in the record.” (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.204(2)(C).) Every brief

must also “[s]upport any reference to a matter in the record by a citation to the volume

and page number of the record where the matter appears.” (Cal. Rules of Court, rule

8.204(1)(C).)

Autler’s brief wholly lacks anything that could be considered a statement of facts.

It does have a short section entitled “Statement of the Case” (capitalization altered), but

that avoids ever actually explaining what the case is about. It simply outlines the creation

of the easement — without any citation to the record — and then says, “There became a

controversy over the use of the easement.”2

The rest of Autler’s brief presumes that the court is somehow familiar with the

facts of the case, referring to such concepts as “the well” and “lot 11” with no

explanation. It does state a handful of facts, albeit belatedly, and it does cite them to the

record; however, these facts are cherry-picked and out of context.

2 In light of the 18 years of litigation between the parties, this is a masterpiece of understatement.

3 “An appellant must fairly set forth all the significant facts, not just those beneficial

to the appellant. [Citation.]” (In re S.C. (2006) 138 Cal.App.4th 396, 402.) “An

appealed judgment is presumed correct, and the appellant must affirmatively demonstrate

error. [Citation.] An appellant challenging the sufficiency of the evidence to support the

judgment must cite the evidence in the record supporting the judgment and explain why

such evidence is insufficient as a matter of law. [Citations.] An appellant who fails to

cite and discuss the evidence supporting the judgment cannot demonstrate that such

evidence is insufficient. The fact that there was substantial evidence in the record to

support a contrary finding does not compel the conclusion that there was no substantial

evidence to support the judgment. An appellant . . . who cites and discusses only

evidence in her favor fails to demonstrate any error and waives the contention that the

evidence is insufficient to support the judgment. [Citations.]” (Rayii v. Gatica (2013)

218 Cal.App.4th 1402, 1408.)

Wilson, too, has chosen not to provide a statement of facts. We recognize that, as

the respondent, he is not required to provide one. We merely note that both sides have

implicitly agreed that an overall statement of facts is not necessary to our decision. (See

Grant-Burton v. Covenant Care, Inc. (2002) 99 Cal.App.4th 1361, 1379 [“Because

‘[t]here is no duty on this court to search the record for evidence’ [citation], an appellate

court may disregard any factual contention not supported by a proper citation to the

record [citations].”].)

4 II

WILSON’S CLAIMS ARE NOT BARRED BY THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

Autler contends that Wilson’s claims were barred by the statute of limitations.

In her answer, Autler alleged that Wilson’s claims were barred by the statute of

limitations, and she cited Code of Civil Procedure section 338. She also argued the

statute of limitations in her closing.

The trial court did not expressly rule on the statute of limitations issue. However,

by finding in Wilson’s favor, it implicitly found that his claims were not time-barred.

(See Natkin v. California Unemployment Ins. Appeals Bd. (2013) 219 Cal.App.4th 997,

1013; see also Baxter v. Peterson (2007) 150 Cal.App.4th 673, 676.) We must uphold

this finding if it is supported by substantial evidence. (See People v. Le (2000) 82

Cal.App.4th 1352, 1361.)

Because the substantial evidence standard applies, Autler has forfeited this

contention by failing to summarize the relevant evidence fully and fairly. (See part I,

ante.)

Separately and alternatively, however, we conclude that there was substantial

evidence that the statute of limitations had not run.

“A nuisance claim alleging damage to real property is subject to the three-year

limitation provided by [Code of Civil Procedure] section 338, subdivision (b).

[Citation.]” (Shamsian v. Atlantic Richfield Co. (2003) 107 Cal.App.4th 967, 979.)

5 “ . . . California law distinguishes between continuing and permanent nuisances.”

(McCoy v. Gustafson (2009) 180 Cal.App.4th 56, 84.) “‘[T]he crucial test of the

permanency of a . . . nuisance is whether the . . . nuisance can be discontinued or abated.’

[Citation.]” (Mangini v. Aerojet-General Corp. (1996) 12 Cal.4th 1087, 1097.)

“‘[A]batable’ means that the nuisance can be remedied at a reasonable cost by reasonable

means.” (Id. at p. 1103.)

“If a nuisance is permanent, ‘the plaintiff must bring one action for past, present

and future damage within three years after the creation of the permanent nuisance.

[Citation.]’ [Citation.] However, if a nuisance is continuing, the ‘persons harmed by it

may bring successive actions for damages until the nuisance is abated. [Citation.]’

[Citation.]” (Shamsian v. Atlantic Richfield Co., supra, 107 Cal.App.4th at p. 979.)

According to Autler, she has obstructed the easement with a “power pole, trees,

fences and gates . . . .” Even in the absence of any additional evidence, it is fairly

inferable that, if Autler was able to put in the power pole, trees, fences, and gates, she

could also take them out.

But there was additional evidence. David Slawson, an expert surveyor, testified

that the power pole was a “private” pole and “could be taken out[.]” In his opinion, the

trees, including a palm tree, “would be rather difficult to take down.” Nevertheless, it is a

matter of common knowledge that trees can be removed for a few thousand dollars. The

trial court found that Wilson had actual damages of $18,600. In addition, Wilson

testified that he had spent over $560,000 in legal fees in litigation with Autler. The trial

6 court could find that a few thousand dollars to clear the easement was eminently

reasonable.

Because the trial court could reasonably find that the nuisance was continuing, it

could also reasonably find that the statute of limitations had not run.

III

WILSON’S CLAIMS ARE NOT BARRED BY RES JUDICATA

Autler contends that the dismissal of Wilson’s cross-complaint in a previous

action is res judicata.

A. Additional Factual and Procedural Background.

In her answer, Autler alleged as an affirmative defense that Wilson’s claims were

barred by res judicata.

The following facts were shown either by exhibits introduced at trial or by matters

of which the trial court took judicial notice.

In a prior action, case No. RIC 443264, Autler sued Wilson to quiet title to the

easement. Wilson cross-complained for, among other things, private nuisance and

interference with the easement.

In a statement of decision, the trial court ruled in favor of Wilson on the

complaint; however, it found that he had “abandoned” his cross-complaint. Wilson

objected, and the trial court allowed him to dismiss his cross-complaint instead. The

7 minute order of the hearing states that the cross-complaint was dismissed “with

prejudice.”3

B. Analysis.

Once again, the trial court did not expressly rule on the res judicata issue;

however, by ruling in favor of Wilson, it implicitly found that res judicata did not apply.

As discussed earlier (see part II, ante), a nuisance may be permanent or

continuing. This classification has ramifications not only for the statute of limitations,

but also for res judicata. When a nuisance is permanent, a prior action to abate the

nuisance is res judicata. However, when a nuisance is continuing, as already mentioned,

the plaintiff is allowed to bring successive actions for damages until the nuisance is

abated (Shamsian v. Atlantic Richfield Co., supra, 107 Cal.App.4th at p. 979); the prior

actions are not res judicata. (See Spaulding v. Cameron (1952) 38 Cal.2d 265, 268 [“[I]f

the plaintiff assumes [a nuisance] is not permanent and sues only for past damages, he

may be met with the plea of res judicata in a later action for additional injury if the court

then decides the nuisance was permanent in character from its inception.”].)

Once again, Autler has forfeited this contention by failing to discuss the relevant

evidence fully and fairly.

3 A reporter’s transcript of the same hearing, which gives some indication that the cross-complaint was dismissed without prejudice, is in the record in connection with a demurrer, but it was never introduced at trial.

8 And, again, separately and alternatively, we have already found substantial

evidence that the nuisance was continuing. (See part II, ante.) Thus, the trial court could

properly conclude that res judicata did not apply.

IV

AUTLER’S ACTS WERE NOT DONE UNDER AUTHORITY OF STATUTE

Autler relies on Civil Code section 3482, which provides: “Nothing which is done

or maintained under the express authority of a statute can be deemed a nuisance.” She

notes that there is statutory authority for adverse possession. (Civ. Code, § 1007; Code

Civ. Proc., § 321.) She concludes that blocking an easement for the purpose of obtaining

title by adverse possession cannot constitute a private nuisance.

The problem with this argument is that what the adverse possession statutes

“authorize” is possession of the real property of another for five years or more. A person

in possession of the real property of another for less than five years acts at his or her own

risk.

To put it another way, the legislative intent in enacting adverse possession statutes

was not to encourage people to go around grabbing other people’s land; rather, it was —

for various reasons — to treat some long-past grabbings as faits accomplis. (See

generally Stake, The Uneasy Case for Adverse Possession (2001) 89 Geo. L.J. 2419.)

“[The] requirement of ‘express’ authorization embodied in [Civil Code section 3482]

itself insures that an unequivocal legislative intent to sanction a nuisance will be

effectuated, while avoiding the uncertainty that would result were every generally worded

9 statute a source of undetermined immunity from nuisance liability.” (Varjabedian v. City

of Madera (1977) 20 Cal.3d 285, 291, fn. omitted.) We find no such legislative intent.

The adverse possession statutes work much like a statute of limitations. Under

Autler’s logic, the very existence of a statute of limitations on a cause of action for a

private nuisance would “authorize” the maintenance of a nuisance for as long as it takes

for the statute to run. This would abrogate nuisance law entirely.

We therefore conclude that Autler did not act “under the express authority of a

statute” within the meaning of Civil Code section 3482.

V

AUTLER HAS NOT SHOWN THAT THERE WAS

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE OF A PRIVATE NUISANCE

Autler contends that Wilson failed to prove a private nuisance.

Yet again, we reject this contention because Autler has not fully and fairly

summarized the relevant evidence. (See part I, ante.)

VI

WILSON DID NOT FAIL TO MITIGATE DAMAGES

Autler contends that Wilson failed to mitigate his damages, “if any.”

(Capitalization altered.)

Autler pleaded failure to mitigate damages as an affirmative defense. She also

argued in her closing that Wilson had failed to mitigate damages.

10 “[A] plaintiff cannot be compensated for damages that were not incurred or could

have been mitigated by reasonable effort or expenditures. [Citation.] Whether a plaintiff

acted reasonably to mitigate damages, however, is a factual matter to be determined by

the trier of fact, and is reviewed under the substantial evidence test. [Citation.] The

burden of proving a plaintiff failed to mitigate damages, however, is on the defendant,

not the other way around. [Citations.]” (Powerhouse Motorsports Group, Inc. v.

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. (2013) 221 Cal.App.4th 867, 884.)

Yet again, because the substantial evidence test applies, Autler has forfeited this

argument by failing to summarize the evidence fully and fairly. (See part I, ante.)

Separately and alternatively, we also reject this argument on the merits. Autler’s

argument seems to be twofold: (1) Wilson had a potential alternate route to his property,

but he failed to improve that route so as to make it usable; and (2) Wilson was seeking

lost rental damages on the theory that he could not rent out a mobilehome on his property

for four years because Autler was blocking the easement, yet the mobilehome had been

rented out for the previous seven years.

Regarding the alternate route, the evidence showed that Wilson’s lot (lot 10) could

be reached either by the easement or by a narrow, muddy path over a separate lot (lot 11)

that Wilson also owned. Wilson testified that he did not improve the path over lot 11

because lot 11 was “a separate entity. I could sell that lot as an individual lot, and if I put

an easement through that, then I destroy the value of that particular piece of property.”

“If I establish that [path] as a way to get to Lot 10, and I sold Lot 10, I still have to give

11 [the buyer] an easement through Lot 11 . . . , and I already have an easement through

[Autler’s property] to get to Lot 10.” The trial court could find that this was reasonable.

We also note that Autler did not introduce any evidence of what it would have cost

to improve the path over lot 11. Thus, the trial court was not required to conclude that

improving the path would actually have mitigated Wilson’s damages.

Regarding rental of the mobilehome, the evidence showed that in 2001, during a

truce with Autler, when Wilson was able to use the easement, he rented the mobilehome

to a couple named Burkett. On an unspecified date, the truce fell apart, so that Wilson —

and the Burketts — were no longer able to use the easement. Nevertheless, the Burketts

did not move out until 2008. Thereafter, Wilson showed the mobilehome to potential

lessees, and even offered below-market rent, but they declined to rent due to lack of

access.

Autler claims that the fact that the Burketts stayed in the mobilehome was proof

that Wilson could have rented it out. Not so. It is unclear how long they stayed in the

mobilehome after the truce ended and they lost the use of the easement. Also, the

Burketts were not similarly situated to a new tenant; they may simply have been reluctant

to move. Or they could have had reasons peculiar to them to stay, despite lack of access.

Wilson attempted to testify to the Burketts’ actual reasons for staying, but Autler objected

based on hearsay, and the trial court sustained her objection. The problem is that Autler

had the burden of proving failure to mitigate damages. Absent any evidence as to the

12 Burketts’ reasons for staying, and thus absent any evidence that they also applied to new

tenants, the trial court could find that she failed to meet her burden.

We therefore conclude that the trial court properly rejected Autler’s failure-to-

mitigate defense.

VII

THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE OF AUTLER’S

FINANCIAL CONDITION TO SUPPORT PUNITIVE DAMAGES

Autler contends that there was insufficient evidence to support punitive damages,

in two respects. First, she contends that there was insufficient evidence of malice or

oppression. Second, she contends that there was insufficient evidence of her financial

condition. We agree that there was insufficient evidence of her financial condition.

Accordingly, we need not discuss the evidence of malice or oppression.

“‘[A]n award of punitive damages cannot be sustained on appeal unless the trial

record contains meaningful evidence of the defendant’s financial condition.’ [Citation.]

‘Without such evidence, a reviewing court can only speculate as to whether the award is

appropriate or excessive.’ [Citation.] Plaintiff bears the burden of proof. [Citation.]

“The [Supreme C]ourt . . . [has] declined ‘to prescribe any rigid standard for

measuring a defendant’s ability to pay.’ Net worth is the most common measure, but not

the exclusive measure. [Citations.] . . . ‘What is required is evidence of the defendant’s

ability to pay the damage award.’ [Citation.] Thus, there should be some evidence of the

defendant’s actual wealth. Normally, evidence of liabilities should accompany evidence

13 of assets, and evidence of expenses should accompany evidence of income.” (Baxter v.

Peterson, supra, 150 Cal.App.4th at p. 680.)

In this instance, Autler summarizes the material evidence correctly (if tersely) by

noting that no financial records were presented. Wilson points to Autler’s testimony that

she owned her house and had paid cash for it out of an inheritance. However, there was

no evidence of the value of the house, no evidence of Autler’s other assets and liabilities,

and no evidence of her income and expenses. Hence, we can get no sense of her “actual

wealth.”

Baxter v. Peterson, supra, 150 Cal.App.4th 673 reversed an award of $75,000 in

punitive damages, despite evidence that the defendant owned “substantial assets,”

including at least seven single-family homes and two multi-family residences, because

there was no evidence of her liabilities. (Id. at p. 681.) Here, there is even less evidence

of Autler’s net worth.4

The procedures for obtaining evidence of a defendant’s financial condition are

straightforward. If the plaintiff can establish a substantial probability that it will prevail

on a claim for punitive damages, it can obtain pretrial discovery of the defendant’s

financial condition. (Civ. Code, § 3295, subd. (c).) If not, the plaintiff can still

“subpoena documents or witnesses to be available at the trial for the purpose of

establishing the . . . [defendant’s] financial condition . . . , and the defendant may be

4 A fortiori, there was insufficient evidence of Brent Autler’s financial condition.

14 required to identify documents in the defendant’s possession which are relevant and

admissible for that purpose and the witnesses employed by or related to the defendant

who would be most competent to testify to those facts.” (Ibid.) There is no indication

that Wilson took advantage of this procedure. There is also no indication that Autler tried

to evade these procedures or to conceal her assets. (Cf. Corenbaum v. Lampkin (2013)

215 Cal.App.4th 1308, 1337-1338; Green v. Laibco, LLC (2011) 192 Cal.App.4th 441,

453-454.) Accordingly, there is no reason to excuse Wilson from presenting additional

evidence of Autler’s financial condition.

“When a punitive damage award is reversed based on the insufficiency of the

evidence, no retrial of the issue is required. [Citation.]” (Baxter v. Peterson, supra, 150

Cal.App.4th at p. 681.) We will modify the judgment by striking the award of punitive

damages.

VIII

THE TRIAL COURT DID NOT AWARD ATTORNEY FEES

Autler contends that “there [wa]s no basis to award attorney fees.” (Capitalization

altered.) The judgment purported to award attorney fees “by motion.” (Capitalization

altered.) Wilson did bring a motion for attorney fees, but the trial court denied it. Hence,

we do not discuss this contention any further.

15 IX

DISPOSITION

The award of $50,000 in punitive damages is stricken. As thus modified, the

judgment is affirmed. Plaintiff is awarded costs on appeal against defendants.

NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS

RICHLI J.

We concur:

RAMIREZ P. J.

HOLLENHORST J.