Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Probably not......a declared homestead protects you against enforcement of involuntary liens, filed after the date of the homestead declaration. Even then, the homestead doesn't prevent a foreclosure, it merely limits the creditor's rightto the proceeds.

A declared homestead does not afford any protection against a voluntary lien, such as a mortgage ornote and deed of trust. (Such liens are "voluntary" in the sense that you agreed to put up your property as collateral. An example of an "involuntary" lien is a lien created by a judgment against you.)

The reason for a foreclosure (or short sale) is generally not a deciding factor in the rights of the creditor.

Bryan Whipple's answer is absolutely correct.