Norton

INTRODUCTION

Defendants San Bernardino City Unified School District (the District) and Mel Albiso (collectively, defendants) appeal from the judgment entered after a jury found that during plaintiff Edward C. Norton’s employment with the District, the District discriminated against him and Albiso harassed him because of Norton’s race, in violation of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) (Gov. Code, § 12900 et seq.). Defendants argue (1) the trial court erred by giving the jury several incorrect instructions and refusing to give certain requested instructions; (2) the court made erroneous evidentiary rulings; (3) insufficient evidence supported the jury’s verdicts; (4) the court engaged in judicial misconduct; and (5) their motion for summary judgment was erroneously denied. Defendants also appeal from the trial court’s postjudgment orders denying defendants’ motion for a new trial, and awarding Norton $503,450.02 in prevailing party attorney fees on the ground the attorney fee award was excessive. We reverse and remand in part and affirm in part. In accordance with Harris v. City of Santa Monica (2013) 56 Cal.4th 203 (Harris) and its progeny, including an opinion…