Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Re: unlawful detainers

Bring evidence that you paid the disputed rent, photographs regarding non-habitability, witnesses who can testify to your payment during the three-day notice period, and write down questions that you want to ask of the landlord to show that he/she is not entitled to judgment against you.

I don't know what you mean by "my 20 days since 1st served is up 10/8/08." The court will set a date for the trial and will notify you by mail of the date and location. I trust that you filed and served an answer to the complaint.