California CodesCode of Civil Procedure - CCPPart 1 — Of Courts of JusticeTitle 1 — Organization and JurisdictionChapter 5.5 — Small Claims CourtArticle 7 — Motion to Vacate, Appeal, and Related MattersSection 116.790

If the superior court finds that the appeal was without substantial merit and not based on good faith, but was intended to harass or delay the other party, or to encourage the other party to abandon the claim, the court may award the other party (a) attorney’s fees actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the appeal, not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), and (b) any actual loss of earnings and any expenses of transportation and lodging actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the appeal, not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), following a hearing on the matter.