"A motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict of a jury may properly be granted only if it appears from the evidence, viewed in the light most favorable to the party securing the verdict, that there is no substantial evidence to support the verdict. If there is any substantial evidence, or reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom, in support of the verdict, the motion should be denied." ( Clemmer v. Hartford Insurance Co. (1978) 22 Cal. 3d 865, 878, 151 Cal. Rptr. 285, 587 P.2d 1098, quoting Hauter v. Zogarts (1975) 14 Cal. 3d 104, 110, 120 Cal. Rptr. 681, 534 P.2d 377, quoting Brandenburg v. Pac. Gas & Elec. Co. (1946) 28 Cal. 2d 282, 284, 169 P.2d 909.) "The same standard of review applies to the appellate court . . . ." ( Osborn v. Irwin Memorial Blood Bank (1992) 5 Cal. App. 4th 234, 259.)