Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

California has a law that allows a tenant to seek a short hardship extension from the court. You might look into doing that.

If you want a trial, you will have to file a motion with the court to set aside the default and default judgment, and seek to enjoin the lockout. You would have to show surprise, inadvertence or excusable neglect for not answering the lawsuit which you knew about. Such excusable neglect might be hospitalization for various reasons, or a death in the family. An excuse such as "my dog ate my eviction notice" won't fly. Judges are savvy and have heard just about every excuse. You'd have to be convincing.