Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Yes, you may request a jury. You might have to deposit the initial $150 on the specified date before the trial, or obtain a waiver of the jury fee from the court.

As for discovery, you can serve written discovery by mail on the plaintiff. You can find form interrogatories for unlawful detainers on the Judicial Council website. Check the appropriate boxes and have a friend sign the proof of service and mail a copy. You also can serve document demands.