San Diego County Department of Social Services v. Torres

Noe Torres appeals from the judgment and order reestablishing his conservatorship after a jury found he was gravely disabled within the meaning of Welfare and Institutions Code section 5350, subdivision (d). We affirm.

Public conservator Richard J. Thomson filed a petition on August 23, 1984, seeking to reestablish a conservatorship for Torres on the ground Torres was gravely disabled. Torres requested a jury trial.

Dr. Jon Berlin, a psychiatrist, testified Torres suffered from schizophrenic and intermittent explosive disorder. He said these mental disorders causes Torres to be unable to provide for his basic needs—food, clothing and shelter. Berlin’s testimony was based on a review of hospital charts, the records from previous treating physicians and other staff members who had personal contact with Torres.

Nurse’s aide Dennis Browning testified he observed Torres. When Browning would arrive in the morning Torres would either be without clothes or with very dirty clothes. Torres had a hard time interacting properly with his peers; a difficult time making friends; and needed a good deal of care. Without provocation Torres would become angry and explode, losing all…