CA Civ Proc Code Section 873.050

None of the following persons shall be appointed a referee under this title:

(a)

A clerk or deputy clerk of the court.

(b)

A former or present partner or employee of the judge.

(c)

A relative within the third degree of the judge or the judge’s spouse or the spouse of such a relative.

(d)

An owner of any interest in the property that is the subject of the action.