arrow left
arrow right
  • ROBERT ROSS et al VS. C.C. MOORE & CO. ENGINEERS ASBESTOS document preview
  • ROBERT ROSS et al VS. C.C. MOORE & CO. ENGINEERS ASBESTOS document preview
  • ROBERT ROSS et al VS. C.C. MOORE & CO. ENGINEERS ASBESTOS document preview
  • ROBERT ROSS et al VS. C.C. MOORE & CO. ENGINEERS ASBESTOS document preview
  • ROBERT ROSS et al VS. C.C. MOORE & CO. ENGINEERS ASBESTOS document preview
  • ROBERT ROSS et al VS. C.C. MOORE & CO. ENGINEERS ASBESTOS document preview
  • ROBERT ROSS et al VS. C.C. MOORE & CO. ENGINEERS ASBESTOS document preview
  • ROBERT ROSS et al VS. C.C. MOORE & CO. ENGINEERS ASBESTOS document preview
						
                                

Preview

NOVATO, CALIFORNIA 94948-6169 oem NY KD he BY 10 ALAN R. BRAYTON, ESQ., 8.B. #73685 DAVID R. DONADIO, ESQ., S.B. #154436 SARAH N. BENDON, ESQ., 8.B. #267525 ELECTRONICALLY BRAYTON&PURCELL LLP Attorneys at Law sopekr IL ED, 5 Rush Fanding Road County of San Francisco ‘ Novato, California 94948-6169 JUL 10 2012 (415) 898-1555 Clerk of the Court Tentative Ruling Contest Email: contestasbestasTR@braytonlaw,com BY: ALISON AGBAY Deputy Clerk Attorneys for Plaintiffs SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO ASBESTOS No. CGC-10-275731 ROBERT ROSS and JEAN ROSS, Plaintiffs, PLAINTIFFS' EVIDENTIARY OBJECTIONS TO DEFENDANT COSCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC.’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT OR, IN THE ALTERNATIVE, SUMMARY ADJUDICATION vs. C.C. MOORE & CO. ENGINEERS; Defendants as Reflected on Exhibit | attached to the Summary Complaint herein; and DOES 1-8500. eee Date: July 24, 2012 Time: 9:30 a.m. Dept: 503, Hon. Teri L. Jackson Trial Date: TBD Action Filed: December 17, 2010 Plaintiffs respectfully request that this Court rule on plaintiffs’ evidentiary objections in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rules 3.1352 and 3.1354, Vineyard Springs Estates, LLC v. Super. Ct. (Wyatt) (2004) 120 Cal.App.4th 633, 635; Sambrano v. City of San Diego (2001) 94 Cal.App.4th 225, 235; Laird v. Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. (1998) 68 Cal.App.4th 727, 736, and Weil & Brown, Cal. Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group 2005) 10:301.1, ch. 10-F. The testimony of a lay witness concerning a particular matter is inadmissible unless and until it is shown that the witness has personal knowledge of the matter. (California Evidence Code § 702(a).) If a witness is offered to testify as an expert, the witness must first demonstrate K Ninja 08-9 pl Covid obj COSEIR- ang wpe 1 PLAINTIFFS’ EVIDENTIARY OBJECTIONS TO DEFENDANT COSCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC.S MOTION FOR SUMMARY, JUDGMENT OR. IN THE ALTERNATIVE, SUMMARY ADJUDICATIONCo em YW KD hw BR YY 10 special knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education sufficient to qualify as an expert in the subject of his or her testimony. (Ev. Code § 720{a).) Defendant does not offer James Crossley as an expert witness. His declaration evidences his lack of any personal knowledge of the matters on which his testimony is offered, namely knowledge concerning the contractors whose duties it was to apply fireproofing, the dangers that result from disturbing asbestos- containing fireproofing, the amount of asbestos-containing dust that is created when fireproofing or other asbestes-containing materials are disturbed, and what information concerning the dangers of asbestos were known to defendant, COSCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC. (hereinafter “COSCO FIRE”). Mr. Crossley does not provide any information regarding his persenal experience with fireproofing or how he came to learn about asbestos-containing fireproofing. Mr. Crossley’s declaration is conclusory and without foundation. It is based on hearsay and must be stricken from the record. Plaintiffs object to and move to strike defendant’s proffered evidence as follows: 1. Objections to Paragraph 6 of the Declaration of James Crossley in Support of Defendant Cosco Fire Protection, Inc.’s Motion for Summary Judgment, or in the Alternative, Summary Adjudication (“Crossley Declaration”), which states: “Fireproofing was applied by the fireproofing contractor. Cosco was never retained to apply fireproofing and the application of fireproofing was not part of our job duties. We never purchased fireproofing as a part of our business. As far as I know, fireproofing became asbestos-free in the very 1970s.” Material Objected To: 1. Crossley Declaration §] 6. Grounds for Objection: 1, This testimony lac! s foundation and competence, is speculative, states unsupported legal con and immaterial. (Evi clusions, is irrelevant, _ Code §§ 210, 350, 403, 405, and 702.) It is not enough for the affiant simply to state personal knowledge o the affiant has f the facts stated. Rather, the declaration itself must contain facts showing the dec’ jaration’s connection with the matters stated therein, thereby establishing the source of his or her information. Otherwise, the declarant’s testimony that he or she has such Knowledge is purely a conclusion. (Osmond vy. EWAP, Inc. (1984) 153 Cal App.3d 842, 851; Brown & Weil, Calif. Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group) ¥ 9:59, ch. 951-B; and Evid. Code § 702.) Code of Civ. K Ninja 08-9 pl Covid obj COSEIR- ang wpe 2 PLAINTIFFS’ EVIDENTIARY OBJECTIONS TO DEFENDANT COSCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC,S MOTION FOR SUMMARY, JUDGMENT OR. IN THE ALTERNATIVE, SUMMARY ADJUDICATIONCo em YW KD hw BR YY 10 Proc. § 437c(d) requires affidavits or declarations in support of a motion for summary judgment to be made on the basis of “personal knowledge,” and not information and belief. (Brown & Weil, Calif, Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group) fff 9:60.8 and 10:114; and Code of Civ. Proc. § 437c(d).) “Declarations based on information and belief are insufficient to satisfy the burden of ... the moving ... party on @ motion for summary judgment...” (emphasis added) (Lopez v. University Partners (1997) 54 Cal App.4th 1117, 1124.) Furthermore, an affidavit based on “information and belief” is hearsay and must be disregarded, and it is “unavailing for any purpose.” (Star Motor Imports, Inc. v. Sup. Ct, (Shake) (1979) 88 Cal.App.3d 207, 204) Here, James Crossley states the following conclusions: (1) Fireproofing was applied by a fireproofing contractor; (2) Defendant, COSCO FIRE was never retained to apply fireproofing and applying fireproofing was not a part of its job duties; (3) that defendant never purchased fireproofing as a part of its business; and (4) that Mr. Crossley believes that fireproofing became asbestos-free in the very early 1970s. Mr. Crossley fails to assert factually how he has foundation and competence to arrive at the above conclusions, other than the fact he worked for COSCO FIRE at least up until 1984. These statements are not supported by any foundational facts explaining how Mr. Crossley would know them. Nowhere in the declaration does it state that Mr. Crossley was present when any COSCO FIRE sprinklerfitters ever performed sprinklerfitter work, that he has any knowledge regarding the purchasing of products that were used by any COSCO FIRE employees, nor does Mr. Crossley’s declaration say what documents or records he reviewed to support his statements. There is no foundational showing that Mr. Crossley has any personal knowledge or expertise to support his statement that fireproofing was installed by fireproofing, let alone that fireproofers installed the fireproofing at the jobsites where plaintiff, ROBERT ROSS, testified he worked in close proximity to COSCO FIRE employees disturbing asbestos- K Ninja 08-9 pl Covid obj COSEIR- ang wpe 3 PLAINTIFFS’ EVIDENTIARY OBJECTIONS TO DEFENDANT COSCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC.S MOTION FOR SUMMARY, JUDGMENT OR. IN THE ALTERNATIVE, SUMMARY ADJUDICATIONCo em YW KD hw BR YY 10 containing fireproofing. There is no foundational showing that Mr. Crossley has any personal knowledge or expertise to support his statement that COSCO FIRE was never retained to apply fireproofing. There is no foundational showing that Mr. Crossley has any personal knowledge or expertise to support his statement that COSCO FIRE never purchased fireproofing in the course of its business, nor is there any foundational showing that Mr. Crossley has any personal knowledge or expertise to support his statement that, “As far as [he] know{s],” fireproofing became asbestos- free in the early 1970s. The Court should note that COSCO FIRE, by admitting that “fireproofin became asbestos-free in the very early 1970s,” it is conceding that fireproofing contained asbestos before the “very early 1970s.” COURT’S RULING ON OBJECTION NO. 1: Dated: Sustained: Overruled: 2. Objections to Paragraph 7 of the Declaration of James Crossley in Support of Defendant Cosco Fire Protection, Inc.’s Motion for Summary Judgment, or in the Alternative, Summary Adjudication (“Crossley Declaration”), which states: “I did not learn that shooting studs for the purposes of installing hanger and support for sprinkler pipe could create a hazard until the 1980s, when building specifications began requiring contractors to take precautions regarding work with fireproofing. Prior to that, we did not believe shooting studs for hanger and supports for the sprinkler pipe could create a health hazard.” Material Objected To: Grounds for Objection: 2. Crossley Declaration § 7. 2, This testimony lacks foundation and competence, is speculative, states unsupported legal conclusions, is irrelevant, and immaterial, (Evid. Code §§ 210, 350, 403, 405, and 702.) It is not enough for the affiant simply to state the affiant has personal knowledge of the facts stated. Rather, the declaration itself must contain facts showing the declaration’s connection with the matters stated therein, thereby establishing the source of his or her information. Otherwise, the declarant’s testimony that he or she has such knowledge is purely a conclusion. (Osmond v. EWAP, Inc. (1984) 153 Cal.App.3d 842, 851; Brown & Weil, Kainjured 0340 plhevid objs-COSFIR ns wp 4 PLAINTIFFS' EVIDENTIARY OBJECTIONS TO DEFENDANT COSCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC.'S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT OR, IN THE ALTERNATIVE, SUMMARY ADJUDICATIONCo em YW KD hw BR YY 10 Calif. Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group) J 9:39, ch. OI-B; and Evid. Code § 702.) Code of Civ. Proc. § 437c(d) requires affidavits or declarations in support of a motion for summary judgment to be made on the basis of “personal knowledge,” and not information and belief. (Brown & Weil, Calif. Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group) §f] 9:60.8 and 10:114: and Code of Civ. Proc. § 437c(d).) “Declarations based on information and belief are insufficient to satisfy the burden of ... the moving ... party on a motion for summary judgment....” (emphasis added) (Lopez vy. University Partners (1997) 54 Cal. Pp Ht 7, 1124.) Furthermore, an affidavit based on “mformation and belief” is hearsay and must be disregarded, and it is “unavailing for any purpose.” (Star Motor Imports, Inc. vy. Sup. Ct, (Shake) (1979) 88 Cal. App.3 There is no foundational showing that Mr. Crossley has any personal knowledge or expertise establishing that his knowledge as to when COSCO FIRE learned that shooting studs into fireproofing created a health hazards. Mr. Crossley’s declaration does not state that COSCO FIRE did not learn that shooting studs was hazardous until the 1980s. Rather, Mr. Crossley states that, “J did not learn that shooting studs...could create a hazard until the 1980s...” [Emphasis added.] Mr. Crossley’s personal knowledge of when he learned that shooting studs into asbestos- containing fireproofing was hazardous is irrelevant to either prove or disprove any facts involved in this case. Mr. Crossley fails to provide any support that his knowledge or lack of knowledge is attributable to COSCO FIRE’s knowledge. Tellingly, defendant fails to identify the building specifications to which it is referring. This statement is purely conclusory and should, therefore, be stricken. COURT’S RULING ON OBJECTION NO. 2: Dated: Sustained: Overruled: KAinjuredi #93 rpléovd objs-COSEIR mse 5 PLAINTIFFS' EVIDENTIARY OBJECTIONS TO DEFENDANT COSCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC.'S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT OR, IN THE ALTERNATIVE, SUMMARY ADJUDICATIONCo em YW KD hw BR YY 10 3. Objections to Paragraph 8 of the Declaration of James Crossley in Support of Defendant Cosco Fire Protection, Inc.’s Motion for Summary Judgment, or in the Alternative, Summary Adjudication (“Crossley Declaration”), which states: “Shooting studs for the purposes of installing hangers and supports for sprinkler pipes created only a little bit of dust. During the 1970s, there was no reason for us to believe that this action created a hazard for our sprinklefitters, much less for any insulators working in the area.” Material Objected To: 3. Crossley Declaration 8. K:Alnjureds 592.405 ldiovid abjs-COSFIR-ingswpd Grounds for Objection: 3. This testimony lacks foundation and competence, is speculative, states unsupported legal conclusions, is irrelevant, and immaterial. (Evid. Code §§ 210, 350, 403, 405, and 702.) It is not enough for the affiant simply to state the affiant has personal knowledge of the facts stated. Rather, the declaration itself must contain facts showing the declaration’s connection with the matters stated therein, thereby establishing the source of his or her information. Otherwise, the declarant’s testimony that he or she has such knowledge is purely a conclusion. (Osmond v. EWAP, Inc, (1984) 153 Cal App.3d 842, 851; Brown & Weil, Calif. Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group) 4 9:59, ch. OLB; and Evid. Code § 702.) Code of Civ. Proc. § 437c(d) requires affidavits or declarations in support of a motion for summary judgment to be made on the basis of “personal knowledge,” and not information and belief. (Brown & Weil, Calif. Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group) {ff 9:60.8 and 10:114; and Code of Civ, Proc. § 437c(d).) “Declarations based on information and belief are insufficient to satisfy the burden of ... the moving ... party on a motion for summary judgment...” (emphasis added) (Lopez v. University Partners (1997) 54 Cal. App.4th 1117, 1124.) Furthermore, an affidavit based on “information and belief” is hearsay and must be disregarded, and it is “unavailing for any purpose.” (Star Motor Imports, Inc. v. Sup. Ct. (Shake) (1979) 88 Cal_App.3d 201, 204.) There is no foundational showing that Mr. Crossley has any personal knowledge or expertise pertaining the amount of dust that is created when sprinklerfitter scrape away asbestos- containing fireproofing generally, nor is PLAINTIFFS' EVIDEN’ IARY OBJECTIONS TO DEFENDANT COSCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC.'S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT OR, IN THE ALTERNATIVE, SUMMARY ADJUDICATIONCo em YW KD hw BR YY 10 there any foundational showing that Mr. Crossley has any personal knowledge or expertise regarding the amount of asbestos- containing dust that was created when COSCO FIRE sprinklerfitters scraped away and disturbed asbestos-containing fireproofing in ROBERT ROSS’s presence. Nor does Mr. Crossley provide any foundational showing supporting his claim that “there was no reason” for him to believe that the disturbance of asbestos did not create a hazard; Mr. Crossley’s declaration fails to say what documents or records - if any - he reviewed to support this claim. Further, Mr. Crossley’s use of the vague and ambiguous term “only a little bit of dust” calls for a legal conclusion. As such this term is misleading and prejudicial. This statement is purely conclusory and should, therefore, be stricken. COURT'S RULING ON OBJECTION NO. 3: Dated: Sustained: Overruled: 4, Objections to Paragraph 9 of the Declaration of James Crossley in Support of Defendant Cosco Fire Protection, Inc.’s Motion for Summary Judgment, or in the Alternative, Summary Adjudication (“Crossley Declaration”), which states: “During the 1970s, trades such as plumbers, HVAC workers, and electricians would create much larger disturbances of fireproofing than that caused by the shooting of studs for the purposes for installing hanger and supports for sprinkler pipes. | am not aware that any of these trades took any precautions with respect to disturbing fireproofing in the 1970s.” Material Objected To: Grounds for Objection: 4. Crossley Declaration 9. 4, This testimony lacks foundation and competence, is speculative, states unsupported legal conclusions, is irrelevant, and immaterial, (Evid. Code §§ 210, 350, 403, 405, and 702.) It is not enough for the affiant simply to state the affiant has personal knowledge of the facts stated. Rather, the declaration itself must contain facts showing the declaration’s connection with the matters stated therein, thereby establishing the source of his or her information. Otherwise, the declarant’s testimony that he or she has such knowledge is purely a conclusion. (Osmond v. EWAP, Inc. (1984) 153 Cal.App.3d 842, 851; Brown & Weil, K Ninja 08-9 pl Covid obj COSEIR- ang wpe 7 PLAINTIFFS’ EVIDENTIARY OBJECTIONS TO DEFENDANT COSCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC.S MOTION FOR SUMMARY, JUDGMENT OR. IN THE ALTERNATIVE, SUMMARY ADJUDICATIONCo em YW KD hw BR YY 10 Calif. Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group) J 9:39, ch. OI-B; and Evid. Code § 702.) Code of Civ. Proc. § 437c(d) requires affidavits or declarations in support of a motion for summary judgment to be made on the basis of “personal knowledge,” and not information and belief. (Brown & Weil, Calif. Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group) §f] 9:60.8 and 10:114: and Code of Civ. Proc. § 437c(d).) “Declarations based on information and belief are insufficient to satisfy the burden of ... the moving ... party on a motion for summary judgment....” (emphasis added) (Lopez vy. University Partners (1997) 54 Cal. Pp Ht 7, 1124.) Furthermore, an affidavit based on “mformation and belief” is hearsay and must be disregarded, and it is “unavailing for any purpose.” (Star Motor Imports, Inc. vy. Sup. Ct, (Shake) (1979) 88 Cal. App.3 1 Here, Mr. Crossley attempts to make a qualitative comparison between the amounts of asbestos Mr. ROSS would have been exposed to by sprinklerfitters disturbing asbestos versus other trades disturbing asbestos. There is no indication within the declaration that there exists any admissible facts or evidence to consider with regard to the opportunities for exposure during Mr. ROSS’s work. Thus, Mr. Crossley merely relies solely on speculation and conjecture to opine on how much asbestos Mr. ROSS would have been exposed to during his career as an insulator. Furthermore, Mr. Crossley’s declaration does not state that COSCO FIRE was not aware of any other trades taking precautions against disturbing fireproofing in the 1970s. Rather, Mr. Crossley states that, “/ am not aware that any of these trades took any precautions with respect to disturbing fireproofing in the 1970s.” [Emphasis added.] Mr. Crossley’s lack of knowledge regarding precautions other trades took in tegards to disturbed fireproofing in the 1970s is irrelevant to either prove or disprove any facts involved in this case as Mr. Crossley fails to provide any support that his knowledge or lack of knowledge is attributable to COSCO FIRE’s knowledge. Further, Mr. Crossley’s use of the vague and ambiguous term “much larger K Ninja 08-9 pl Covid obj COSEIR- ang wpe 8 PLAINTIFFS’ EVIDENTIARY OBJECTIONS TO DEFENDANT COSCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC.S MOTION FOR SUMMARY, JUDGMENT OR. IN THE ALTERNATIVE, SUMMARY ADJUDICATIONCo em YW KD hw BR YY 10 disturbances” calls for a legal conclusion and speculation. As such this term is misleading and prejudicial. This statement is purely conclusory and should, therefore, be stricken. COURT'S RULING ON OBJECTION NO. 4: Dated: Sustained: Overruled: 5. Objections to Paragraph 10 of the Declaration of James Crossley in Support of Defendant Cosco Fire Protection, Inc.’s Motion for Summary Judgment, or in the Alternative, Summary Adjudication (“Crossley Declaration”), which states: “Iam aware of not literature available for Cosco in the 1970s suggesting that the act of shooting studs for the purposes of installing hangers and supports for sprinkler pipes could create a hazardous condition for anyone in the area. No sprinklerfitter organization in the 1970s warned that such actions might be hazardous. No governmental regulation in the 1970s addressed the shooting of studs for the purposes of installing hangers and supports for sprinkler pipes or any asbestos hazards of sprinklerfitting. The government regulations that did exist regarding asbestos in the 1970s concerned concentrations much higher than that caused by the shooting of studs for the purposes of installing hangers and supports for spinkler pipes.” Material Objected To: Grounds for Objection: 5, Crossley Declaration 4 10. 5. This testimony lacks foundation and competence, is speculative, states unsupported legal conclusions, is irrelevant, and immaterial. (Evid. Code §§ 210, 350, 403, 405, and 702.) It is not enough for the affiant simply to state the affiant has personal knowledge of the facts stated. Rather, the declaration itself must contain facts showing the declaration’s connection with the matters stated therein, thereby establishing the source of his or her information, Otherwise, the declarant’s testimony that he or she has such knowledge is purely a conclusion. Osmond v. EWAP, Inc, (1984) 153 Cal App.3d 842, 831; Brown & Weil, Calif, Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group) ¥ 9:59, ch. DEB; and Evid. Code § 702.) Code of Civ. Proc. § 437c(d) requires affidavits or declarations in support of a motion for summary judgment to be made on the basis of “personal knowledge,” and not information and belief. (Brown & Weil, Calif, Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group) 4 9:60.8 and 10:114; and Code of Civ. Proc. K Ninja 08-9 pl Covid obj COSEIR- ang wpe 9 PLAINTIFFS’ EVIDENTIARY OBJECTIONS TO DEFENDANT COSCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC.S MOTION FOR SUMMARY, JUDGMENT OR. IN THE ALTERNATIVE, SUMMARY ADJUDICATIONCo em YW KD hw BR YY 10 § 437¢(d).) “Declarations based on information and belief are insufficient to satisfy the burden of ... the moving ... party on a motion i for summary judgment...” (emphasis added) (Lopez v. Universit Partners (1997) 54 Cal App.4th 1117, 1124.) Furthermore, an affidavit based on “information and belief” is hearsay and must be disregarded, and it is “unavailing for any purpose.” (Star Motor Imports, Inc, vy. Sup. Ct. (Shake) (1979) 88 Cal. App. 3d Mr, Crossley’s declaration does not state that COSCO FIRE was not aware of any literature available to it during the 970s regarding the hazards created when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed. Rather, Mr. Crossley states that, “Jam aware of no literature available to Cosco in the 1970s...” [Emphasis added.] Mr. Crossley’s lack of awareness of relevant literature is irrelevant to either prove or disprove any facts involved in this case as r. Crossley fails to provide any support that his knowledge or lack of knowledge is attributable to COSCO FIRE’s knowledge. There is no foundational showing that Mr. Crossley has any personal nowledge or expertise pertaining to the literature available to COSCO FIRE in the 1970s, nor does Mr. Crassley’s declaration say what documents or records he reviewed to support his statements. Moreover, Mr. Crossley alleged without support that the concentrations of asbestos-containing dust that existed when COSCO FIRE employees shot studs into ceilings was in lesser amounts than the relevant government regulations pertained. Mr. Crossley makes this claim without providing the necessary foundation that COSCO FIRE took any samples regarding the amount of asbestos- dust in the air whatsoever, Accordingly, Mr. Crossly has no basis for making his claim. This statement is purely conclusory and should, therefore, be stricken. COURT’S RULING ON OBJECTION NO. 5: Dated: Sustained: Overruled: it Mt KAinjuredi #93 rpléovd objs-COSEIR mse 10 PLAINTIFFS' EVIDENTIARY OBJECTIONS TO DEFENDANT COSCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC.'S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT OR, IN THE ALTERNATIVE, SUMMARY ADJUDICATIONCo em YW KD hw BR YY 10 6. Objections to Paragraph 11 of the Declaration of James Crossley in Support of Defendant Cosco Fire Protection, Inc.’s Motion for Summary Judgment, or in the Alternative, Summary Adjudication (“Crossley Declaration”), which states: “As far as I am aware, not sprinklerfitter company in the 1970s took any precautions regarding possible health hazards from shooting studs for the purposes of installing hangers and supports for sprinkler pipes.” Material Objected To: Grounds for Objection: 6. Crossley Declaration § 11. 6. This testimony lacks foundation and competence, is speculative, states unsupported legal conclusions, is irrelevant, and immaterial, (Evid. Code §§ 210, 350, 403, 405, and 702.) It is not enough for the affiant simply to state the affiant has personal knowledge of the facts stated. Rather, the declaration itself must contain facts showing the declaration’s connection with the matters stated therein, thereby establishing the source of his or her information. Otherwise, the declarant’s testimony that he or she has such Knowledge is purely a conclusion. (Osmond v. EWAP, Ine. (1984) 153 Cal.App.3d 842, 851; Brown & Weil, Calif, Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group) ¥ 9:59, ch. OB; and Evid. Code § 702.) Code of Civ. Proc. § 437¢(d) requires affidavits or declarations in support of a motion for summary judgment to be made on the basis of “personal Knowledge.” and not information and belief. (Brown & Weil, Calif. Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group) $f 9:60.8 and 10:114; and Code of Civ. Proc. § 437c(d).) “Declarations based on information and belief are insufficient to satisfy the burden of ... the moving ... party on a motion for summary judgment...” (emphasis added) (Lopez v. University Partners (1997) 54 Cal-App.4th 1117, 1124.) Furthermore, an affidavit based on “information and belief” is hearsay and must be disregarded, and it is “unavailing for any purpose.” (Star Motor Imports, Inc. vy. Sup. Ct. (Shake) (197 ‘al. Apo. 201, 204.) There is no foundational showing that Mr. Crossley has any personal knowledge or expertise to state that no sprinklerfitter company in the 1970s took any precautions regarding health hazards resultant from disturbing fireproofing when performing their work. Mr. Crossley does K Ninja 08-9 pl Covid obj COSEIR- ang wpe ii PLAINTIFFS’ EVIDENTIARY OBJECTIONS TO DEFENDANT COSCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC.S MOTION FOR SUMMARY, JUDGMENT OR. IN THE ALTERNATIVE, SUMMARY ADJUDICATIONCo em YW KD hw BR YY 10 not state what documents he is relying on, if any, to support this statement. Additionally, Mr. Crossley’s declaration docs not state that COSCO FIRE was aware of no sprinklerfitting company taking precautions against disturbing asbestos-containing fireproofing. Rather, Mr. Crossley states, “As far as / am aware...” [Emphasis added.] Mr. Crossley’s lack of awareness as to what other sprinklerfitter companies may or may not have done is irrelevant to either prove or disprove any facts involved in this case as Mr, Crossley fails to provide any support that his knowledge or lack of knowledge is attributable to COSCO FIRE’s knowledge. As such, Mr. Crossley’s statement is purely conclusory and should, therefore, be stricken. COURT’S RULING ON OBJECTION NO. 6: Dated: Sustained: Overruled: 7. Objections to Paragraph 12 of the Declaration of James Crossley in Support of Defendant Cosco Fire Protection, Inc.’s Motion for Summary Judgment, or in the Alternative, Summary Adjudication (“Crossley Declaration”), which states: “Cosco did not provide hardhats with logos until the 1990s.” Material Objected To: Grounds for Objection: 7, Crossley Declaration | 12. 7. This testimony lacks foundation and competence, is speculative, states unsupported legal conclusions, is irrelevant, and immaterial. (Evid. Code §§ 210, 350, 403, 405, and 702.) It is not enough for the affiant simply to state the affiant has personal knowledge of the facts stated. Rather, the declaration itself must contain facts showing the declaration’s connection with the matters stated therein, thereby establishing the source of his or her information. Otherwise, the declarant’s testimony that he or she has such knowledge is purely a conclusion. (Osmond v. EWAP, Ine. (1984) 153 Cal.App.3d 842, 851; Brown & Weil, Calif, Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group) 9:59, ch. OB; and Evid. Code § 702.) Code of Civ. Proc. § 437c(d) requires affidavits or declarations in support of a motion for summary judgment to be made on the basis of “personal knowledge,” and not K Ninja 08-9 pl Covid obj COSEIR- ang wpe 12 PLAINTIFPS' EVIDENTIARY OBJECTIONS TO DEFENDANT COSCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC.S MOTION FOR SUMMARY, JUDGMENT OR. IN THE ALTERNATIVE, SUMMARY ADJUDICATIONCo em YW KD hw BR YY 10 information and belief. (Brown & Weil, Calif. Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group) {ff 9:60.8 and 10:114; and Code of Civ, Proc. § 437c(d).) “Declarations based on information and belief are insufficient to satisfy the burden of ... the moving ... party on a motion for summary judgment...” (emphasis added) (Lopez v. University Partners (1997) 54 Cal App.4th 1117, 1124.) Furthermore, an affidavit based on “information and belief” is hearsay and must be disregarded, and it is “unavailing for any purpose.” (Star Motor Imports, Inc. v. Sup. Ct. (Shake) (1979) 88 Cal_App.3d 201, 204.) There is no foundational showing that Mr. Crossley has any personal knowledge or expertise to state that COSCO FIRE did not provide hardhats with their logos until the 1990s. Mr. Crossley does not state what documents or information he is relying on, if any, to support this statement. As such, it is purely conclusory and should, therefore, be stricken. COURT’S RULING ON OBJECTION NO. 7: Dated: Sustained: Overruled: 8. Objections to Paragraph 13 of the Declaration of James Crossley in Support of Defendant Cosco Fire Protection, Inc.’s Motion for Summary Judgment, or in the Alternative, Summary Adjudication (“Crossley Declaration”), which states: “Cosco was a very small outfit, especially in the early 1970s. Cosco would not have had the capability of doing a hospital project until 1977 or later.” Material Objected To: Grounds for Objection: 8. Crossley Declaration § 13. 8. This testimony lacks foundation and competence, is speculative, states unsupported legal conclusions, is irrelevant, and immaterial. (Evid. Code §§ 210, 350, 403, 405, and 702.) It is not enough for the affiant simply to state the affiant has personal knowledge of the facts stated. Rather, the declaration itself must contain facts showing the declaration’s connection with the matters stated therein, thereby establishing the source of his or her information. Otherwise, the declarant’s testimony that he or she has such knowledge is purely a conclusion. K Ninja 08-9 pl Covid obj COSEIR- ang wpe 13 PLAINTIFFS’ EVIDENTIARY OBJECTIONS TO DEFENDANT COSCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC.S MOTION FOR SUMMARY, JUDGMENT OR. IN THE ALTERNATIVE, SUMMARY ADJUDICATIONCo em YW KD hw BR YY 10 COURT’S RULING ON OBJECTION NO. 8: Osmond v. EWAP, Inc. (1984) 153 Cal-App. ; Sol; Brown & Weil, Calif. Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group) 4 9:59, ch. 9O1-B; and Evid. Code § 702.) Code of Civ. Proc. § 437c(d) requires affidavits or declarations in support of a motion for summary judgment to be made on the basis of “personal knowledge,” and not information and belief. (Brown & Weil, Calif. Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (The Rutter Group) ff 9:60.8 and 10:114; and Code of Civ, Proc. § 437¢(d).) “Declarations based on information and belief are insufficient to satisfy the burden of ... the moving ... party on a motion for summary judgment...” (emphasis added) (Lopez v. University Partners (1997) 54 Cal. App.4th 1117, 1124-) Furthermore, an affidavit based on “information and belief” is hearsay and must be disregarded, and it is “unavailing for any purpose.” (Star Motor Imports, Inc. vy. Sup. Ct. (Shake) (1979) 88 Cal App.3 201, 204.) There is no foundational showing that Mr. Petersen has any personal knowledge or expertise pertaining the size of COSCO FIRE in the early 1970s, nor its capacity to perform work at a hospital. Mr. Crossley does not state what documents he is relying on, if any, to support this statement. As such, it is purely conclusory and should, therefore, be stricken. Dated: Sustained: Overruled: Dated: July 10, 2012 BRAYTON*#PURCELL LLP By: /s/Sarah N. Bendon K:Alnjureds 592.405 ldiovid abjs-COSFIR-ingswpd 14 Sarah N. Bendon Attorneys for Plaintiffs PLAINTIFFS' EVIDEN’ OBJECTIONS TO DEFENDANT COSCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC'S MOTION FOR SUMMARY. IARY JUDGMENT OR, IN THE ALTERNATIVE, SUMMARY ADJUDICATION