Small Claims Court HOA Attorney California

I have been in an water loss dispute with another owner who claims I damaged her property. The owner has refused to discuss the issue with me and only talks to the HOA. I have spoken to her in person once Where she said she would only refer to the general manager and another time through a certified letter. It has created a hostile environment with the HOA. So I decided to take her to small claims court to resolve the water loss damage issue.

So I sent her a demand letter last week to begin a small claims action against her.
. Which would be the third attempt at resolution over a five month period. A couple of days ago, I receive a letter from the HOA attorney that the owner gave the letter to the board and she has asked the HOA represent her in talks. And the HOA agreed. And that I have to talk to the HOA attorney about the smalls claims action. And that if I reach out to her again (with service of the official small claims action filed by the court) that I will be fined for being a “nuisance” and disturbing that owner.

How is this even acceptable?

Also, in small claims court you usually have to show that you incurred a loss that can be compensated by money paid to you. You can’t usually get a declaratory judgment or an injunction in small claims court. So what is the basis for your lawsuit?

Attornwy's are not allowed in Small Claims Court. They can be brought in if the defendant appeals the initial decision.

Each jurisdiction has its own rules about whether a lawyer can or must be allowed in small claims court. California largely prohibits them: https://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/small_claims/basic_info.shtml. In some states, you can have a lawyer represent you in small claims court, though.